Naikoon Interpretive Project

The Challenge?

Design, create and install an interpretive plan to accompany a beautiful coastal hiking route in a culturally significant location for the Haida people.

The Crux?

Create an interpretive experience involving tactile, audio and visual components so that it is universally accessible for people with mobility and sensory impairments.

On the remote north coast of Haida Gwaii lies a beautiful, culturally significant location for the Haida people. On a long strip of white sand beach sits Rose Spit, the most northeastern tip of Haida Gwaii. Tow Hill, the site of our interpretive project, is at the south west end of the spit. A hiking trail takes you up to its peak for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

BC Parks and Old Massett Village Council approached us to produce a fully accessible interpretive experience for guests to enjoy. We coordinated a team of designers for the creation of an interpretive plan for the park, which was then installed by our crews. The project centred around teaching visitors to the area about the history of the land by introducing them to local Haida legends. Much of it focused on the history of the land from the Haida perspective. Signs were installed telling the local story of Taaw, who later became Tow Hill. Taaw moved around to many places on Haida Gwaii's north coast, his movements creating the land forms and rivers in the area. He was looking for a place to settle before finding the perfect spot at Tow Hill.

Since the trail featured many stretches of boardwalk to make it fully accessible, all of our displays had to have a priority of accessibility. Tactile, audio and visual components encouraged visitors to experience the land with all their senses. In total, we designed three tactile and braille interpretive signs, audio signs and a website with a virtual hike. Want to check out Tow Hill for yourself? You can start at the trailhead on the Naikoon Park virtual hike here.

Location:
Naikoon Park, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Date:
2013

Client:
BC Parks and Old Massett Village Council

Scope:
• Interpretive Design
• Backcountry Construction