Hydaburg, on the southwest coast of Prince of Wales Island, is accessible by floatplane, boat or by driving the Hydaburg Highway. The blacktop road to Hydaburg is off the Hollis Highway and contains turnoffs that lead to Forest Service trails, picnic areas and points of interest.

During the early 1700s, a group of Haida people crossed from Haida Gwaii (in British Columbia, Canada) to Prince of Wales Island. The first migration landed in Kasaan; others later established major settlements at Howkan, Hlinkwaan, K’ay, K’aanii, Sukwaan and Kuy Gandlaas. In 1911, these villages consolidated in Hydaburg.

Hydaburg is the most populous community of Haida Natives in the U.S. The community is rooted in tribal values and relies on historical and cultural relationships to the land and sea; residents take great pride in their ability to harvest resources in a traditional manner. A totem park was built in Hydaburg during the 1930s. New poles have been raised in the park in recent years due to a growing interest in preserving traditions of the Haida people.

An excellent time to visit is during the annual Hydaburg Culture camp. The community comes together to teach Haida language, song, dance, carving, weaving, beading, and traditional food gathering and preparation. The camp is followed by Haida Festival. These events are usually in the last week of July.

Hydaburg hosts a large number of Haida artists, carvers and weavers. Please feel free to contact the HCA office with questions at 907-285-3666 or [email protected].