Protection and Direct Action
Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program
Three human figures wearing high hats are often carved at the very top of Haida poles. In the past, Haida watchmen were posted at strategic positions around a village to raise the alarm in advance of an approaching enemy. Watchmen also crowned poles as carved figures protecting the village from evil spirits. The three carved watchmen form the symbol adopted by the Haida for the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program.
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