About Us
M.I.E.D.S:
Supporting Sustainable Tourism
Practices on Haida Gwaii
Who We Are
Go Haida Gwaii serves as the primary resource for trip planning and visitor information on Haida Gwaii, operating under the Misty Isles Economic Development Society (MIEDS). Our mission is straightforward: to promote respectful and sustainable tourism practices while supporting the economic development of local communities.
MIEDS was established in 2008 as a non-profit society representing the communities of G̱aw/Masset, Port Clements/'Wáan Kún/Gamadiis, Daajing Giids, K'il Kun/Sandspit (Area E), and NCRD Area D. Led by Executive Director Dezea Alexander, Grant Writer Zishan Chaudry, and Media Manager Elin Dieme, MIEDS coordinates economic development efforts across Haida Gwaii in partnership with the Council of the Haida Nation, B.C. Parks, Gwaii Haanas, and other local businesses.
Why We Need Your Support
As a non-profit organization, MIEDS relies on funding to maintain and expand our services. While we receive support from Destination British Columbia, additional resources would allow us to:
Continue to operate as a non-profit society and create and publish our beloved trip planner, hiking brochures, and media-related content.
Cover the various costs of running the society each year, including printing, rental, advertising, and staff wages
Enhance our online platforms and keep information current and available for all
Develop new resources for responsible tourism practices in partnership with other local initiatives and organizations
Expand support for local businesses
Improve the accessibility of our services and events
What We Do
Through our social media channels, website, and the annual creation of the K'aatsii Hla / Káats'a Hlaa - This is Haida Gwaii Trip Planner, we provide visitors with current and practical information to help them experience the islands responsibly. We work directly with local businesses to ensure tourism benefits the communities across Haida Gwaii.
Our approach prioritizes sustainable practices that respect both the environment and Haida culture, while creating economic opportunities for local residents. This includes connecting visitors with local operators on our website, maintaining our Shop Haida Gwaii artist directory, creating QR postcards and hiking brochures, sharing cultural protocols from the Council of the Haida Nation, and promoting businesses that align with our values. As a non-profit, we can provide free hiking brochures, postcards, and trip planners, and offer opportunities for local writers and photographers to be compensated for their contributions. However, the costs of running a non-profit society are only increasing.
Your Impact
Donations directly support our ability to serve as a non-profit society, connecting visitors with the communities of Haida Gwaii. Every contribution helps us maintain the resources that promote sustainable tourism practices and support local economic development through MIEDS.
Whether you are a past visitor who values the experiences Haida Gwaii offers, a supporter of sustainable tourism initiatives, or someone who believes in community-driven economic development, your donation makes a meaningful difference in our ability to continue this work.
MIEDS will not be able to give tax receipts because we are not a charitable organization. MIEDS is a non-profit organization.
Go Haida Gwaii operates under the Misty Isles Economic Development Society, a registered non-profit dedicated to developing a sustainable and diverse economy on Haida Gwaii in partnership with island communities and the Council of the Haida Nation
X̱aaydaG̱a ‘Waadlux̱an Naay
X̱aadée ‘Wáadluuwaan Née
Council of the Haida Nation
Haida people have occupied Haida Gwaii since time immemorial. Haida territory encompasses parts of southern Alaska, the archipelago of Haida Gwaii and its surrounding waters. Haida pre-contact population was in the tens of thousands in several dozen towns dispersed throughout the islands. During the time of contact, Haida population fell to about 600 due to introduced disease including measles, typhoid and smallpox. Today, Haida people make up over half of the 4200 people living on the islands.
Haida reside throughout the islands but are concentrated in two main centres, G̱aw Tlagée | Old Massett at the north end of Graham Island and HlG̱aagilda | Skidegate at the south end. Besides these two communities, there are 2000 more Haida scattered throughout the world. Vancouver, 770 km south of Haida Gwaii, has a large population as does Prince Rupert which is 100 km east across Hecate Strait.
The Haida Nation collectively holds Hereditary and Aboriginal Title and Rights to Haida Territories and the cultural and intellectual property rights of the Haida Nation.
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve,
National Marine Conservation Area Reserve,
and Haida Heritage Site
Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site is a wild place. With no road access, stores, cell phone coverage and little signage, it is a true wilderness experience.
Gwaii Haanas is not only home to a plethora of unique subspecies and environments, it is also home to Haida. Today the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada manage Gwaii Haanas through a cooperative agreement. They work together through the Archipelago Management Board (AMB), which protects Gwaii Haanas from sea floor to mountain peak.
Gwaii Haanas balances recreation with protection of the natural and cultural features that attract people. With this in mind, the number of visitors entering Gwaii Haanas each day is limited. Available space is distributed between guided and independ4ent travellers. July to mid-August is the busiest travel period, so if you plan to visit during this time, verify the availability of your Gwaii Haanas dates before finalizing your travel plans. Download the latest editions of the Gwaii Haanas Trip Planning Guide here.
Are you travelling independently or on a guided trip? If you would like to take a guided trip, book your trip directly with a licensed Tour Operator. See http://parkscanada.ca/gwaiihaanas-operators for a list of licensed tour operators.
If you are travelling independently (in your own boat, personal or rented kayak) you will need to make a reservation and attend an orientation. Visit the Gwaii Haanas website for more details.
Mosquito Pole at Ts’aa.ahl
Gregory Gould
Crest of the Archipelago Management Board
Designed by Giitsxaa