In this episode, we talk about the deeply moving experience of visiting SG̱ang Gwaay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Red Cod Town. This sacred Haida village tells stories through time-worn cedar poles and the silent weight of history. Host Norm explores the site with Teresa Russ, a Haida Watchman whose personal and ancestral connection to the land brings it to life in a profound and powerful way. Teresa shares how she was raised to honor her Haida culture—from harvesting cedar to practicing traditional art—and how that early education now fuels her commitment to preserving this place for future generations. Visit https://farandawayadventures.com to plan your expedition into the heart of Haida heritage. Discover more at Far and Away Adventures.com.

Together, they reflect on how the Haida overcame centuries of adversity—colonial violence, smallpox, and residential schools—and continue to live and thrive in their ancestral homeland. Through ancient mortuary poles, echoing whale calls, and the reverent hush of the forest, visitors feel the presence of something timeless. Teresa explains how nature itself has helped uncover Haida artifacts and stories, like in 2018 when a windstorm unearthed trade beads and carvings once hidden beneath longhouse floors.

Families visiting SG̱ang Gwaay are encouraged to witness the interconnectedness of all things—a foundational value of Haida belief—and to carry that sense of respect and unity back home. It’s a journey through time and culture that speaks to anyone seeking meaning, connection, and deeper understanding of indigenous resilience.

Discover your next unforgettable family adventure at https://farandawayadventures.com.

More information on Haidacultural sites: Haida cultural sites – Gwaii HaanasNational Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and HaidaHeritage Site