Photo by @jonathankingston (5 of 12) In this sheltered bay, UNESCO World Heritage site SGang Gwaay provides one of the best examples of a Haida Village. Here the ground is sacred. Many of the poles in the village site are mortuary poles - a testament to when the Haida population was decimated by epidemics of smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis introduced when the Europeans made contact, and against which the Haida had no defense. Today, the Haida nation is seeing a revival of pole carving thanks to the leadership of master Haida carvers mentoring the next generation of artists. Tag a friend who needs to see this powerful place! Follow along on the journey this weekend with @natgeotravel to Haida Gwaii! @natgeocreative