Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site

The Gwaii Haanas Crest

© The Gwaii Haanas Crest is a trademark, property of the AMB. Archipelago Management Board / Giitsxaa

The crest selected by Gwaii Haanas’ Archipelago Management Board is a unique design crafted by local Haida artist Giitsxaa. The sea otter and sea urchin have great significance, both in the history of the Haida people, and the ecology of Gwaii Haanas.

Kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems in the waters of Gwaii Haanas. Populations of sea urchins, a kelp-grazing species, were once kept in check by sea otters, ensuring an abundance of kelp and more life in and around the kelp. With the extirpation of the sea otters during the fur trade, the natural balance between species in the community has been disturbed, and the health of the kelp forest is threatened. The loss of the sea otter is a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of individual species and entire ecosystems