A
few days ago we only knew Hazelton as a name by a dot on a map of British
Columbia. That changed today.
The
Route
We drove the 31 miles to and from Kitwanga on TCH-16 and then
explored Hazelton, New Hazelton and Old Hazelton. We didn’t stop in South
Hazelton.
About the Day
It was sunny all day with a pleasant breeze. The temperature
reached 81°.
We set off to see totem poles in the area and to learn about the First
Nation culture that created them. The research included trying to figure out
why there are four communities in the area with “Hazelton” included in their
name.
The area is strongly influenced by centuries of First Nations
language and culture. The vocabulary here consists of strange sounding names
and locations combined with those from non-aboriginal influences. Places like Hazelton,
New Hazelton, Old Hazelton and South Hazelton didn’t exist until gold rushes,
telegraphs, steamboats, and railroads invaded the area.
Along the Way
Hagwilget Suspension Bridge …
The bridge is a critical link between New Hazelton and Old
Hazelton. It spans a deep canyon created by the Bulkley River. We crossed it to
get from TCH-16 to our campground and as we explored today.
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| The early bridge |
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| It’s a single-lane bridge |
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| With some great views |
Visiting Kitwanga …
Kitwanga means “the people of the place of rabbits” in the Gitxsan
language. It’s a long-standing village within the Gitwangak Indian Reserve. Gitwangak
totems were placed here in 1926 after restoration.
 |
| St. Paul’s Anglican Church (1893) & Bell Tower (Rebuilt 1979) |
Visiting Kispiox …
Kispiox is a Gitxsan village located a few miles outside Old
Hazelton. The original name of Kispiox Village is Anspay’axw which means “the
people of the hiding place” in the Gitxsan language. Kispiox is renowned for its
master carvers, totems and scenic setting.
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| A failed project helped the village |
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| 16 extraordinary totems |
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| Each in different stages of completion |
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| Pierce Memorial United Church (1895) |
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| Lots of history is abandoned here |
Observation: This culture doesn’t dispose of unwanted
items. They just abandon them where they were set, dropped or parked.
Visiting ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum …
‘Ksan is a reconstructed Gitxsan village. The village and museum are
next to our campground and near the ancient village of Gitanmaax. It was
populated by the Gitxsan Aboriginal people. They have a very nice display of
longhouses, artifacts and traditional totems. There are houses for each of the
four Gitxsan clans.
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| Totems are constructed from cedar logs. |
Visiting Old Hazelton …
Old Hazelton proudly displays its history as one of the oldest
pioneer communities in the northwest. It was named after the hazel bushes in the
area. The Hazelton Pioneer Museum describes the people and events that shaped
the region.
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| A big name in Hazelton history |
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| Sternwheelers played a big part in Hazelton's reputation as a booming supply center. |
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| Skeena River flows past Hazelton's waterfront |
The Campground
We’ve found the campground to be very attractive and peaceful.
Surprisingly, it would be pretty vacant if it weren’t for large group of tree growers.
Views from last night …
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| Site #26 |
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| Some of the tree planters |
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| A very nice night |
Tomorrow
We’re off to Prince George.
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