Canoeing, fishing planned as Royal Tour heads to coastal islands of Haida Gwaii
HAIDA GWAII, B.C. — First Nations art and a coastal fishing trip are on the itinerary for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they spend their final full day in Canada at the remote West Coast archipelago of Haida Gwaii.
The islands, located about 100 kilometres off the coast, were known as the Queen Charlotte Islands until 2009 when the province and the Haida Nation reached a historic reconciliation agreement. As a result the island chain went back to its original name.
Prince William and Kate begin their tour of the islands with a canoe trip. They’ll be immersed in the First Nation’s cultural heritage, as Haida warrior paddlers and drummers accompany them on the trip.
The royal couple will visit the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum where they’ll learn about the tradition of carving totems as well as other cultural practices including song and dance.