About K’aayxada Adventure Camp

A Brief Camp History

  • Discussions to build a youth camp facility on the shores of  Gawu Kuns Siiwaay Mosquito Lake began.  A group of K’il Kun Sandspit residents formed a sub-committee of the Moresby Island Management Committee and named it the Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Society.

  • With Blake Ward in the lead, K’il Kun Sandspit residents had:

    • Received approval from BC Lands and Western Forest Products for lease of the land, and developed a shared use agreement with Haida Fisheries

    • Formed the Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Society

    • Obtained donations of services for construction, materials, including wood, to build the camp

    • Completed a marketing survey of schools across BC and Canada

    • Completed a draft business plan.

    The objectives of the Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Society were to:

    • Increase the economic diversity of Sandspit and its neighbouring communities by constructing a group camp facility that would attract educational, youth, and tour groups to the Islands.   

    • Create a facility that is safe, sanitary, and environmentally sound where outdoor education, recreation and nature studies can be conducted in the unique island environment.

    • Establish partnerships with local businesses and organizations to provide a variety of services that groups might request.

    • Provide groups with key local information on what they could do on Haida Gwaii.

  • With the help of Haida Gwaii Community Futures Development Corporation, Gwaii Trust, and the Community Economic Adjustment Initiative, and $50,000 in community donations, the facility was completed.

    Two longhouse style buildings were built. One houses two dormitories with about 20 bunk beds and a large common room suitable for classroom space.  The other building contains two kitchen facilities.  The idea was that the groups would bring their own food and bedding and do their own clean up.

  • A new Executive Director, Jonathan Ebbs, was appointed, and a new vision for the Society began to take shape.  Jonathan secured funding through the South Moresby Forest Replacement Account and the Gwaii Trust to run a 28-day leadership development course, for overall operations, and some canoes and kayaks. Jonathan was able to facilitate other organizations’ use of the facility, and offered outdoor programs for kids between 6 and 18 years old.  In the Fall of 2005 Jonathan partnered with School District 50 and Kimiko Von Boetticher to host the first Forest Stewardship Programs for grades 4, 8 and 12.

    Since those initial years, the Mount Moresby Adventure Camp hosted thousands of youth and community members under the guidance of several Executive Directors.  These have all been passionate community members who believed in creating quality outdoor land-based education for the youth of Haida Gwaii. 

  • The Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Board of Directors worked with the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program Elders and then Board Member, Barb Wilson, to rename the organization. Today, the camp and the society are known by the Xaayda Kil name: K’aayxada, which is the Xaayda Kil name of Moresby Mountain.

    With the new name, many improvements have been made to the grounds and infrastructure at camp.

Forest Stewardship Program

The Forest Stewardship Program is held twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall. The Spring camps are held for Grade 6 Students as well as Grade 9 Students, while Fall camps are held for Grade 11 students from all island communities. For the Grade 9 camp, we partner not only with SD50, but also the Archipelago Management Board, Parks Canada, and the Haida Watchmen Program. Every year, the Grade 9 Students have a unique opportunity to travel to Gwaii Haanas Park and Haida Heritage Reserve and stay at Hlk'yah GawGa Windy Bay and learn from the Watchmen there, as well as Gwaii Haanas Staff.

Gawu Kuns Siiwaay

The K’aayxada Adventure Camp sits at the base of K’aayxada mountain on the shores of Gawu Kuns Siiwaay Mosquito Lake on Moresby Island. It is home to large Kokanee Trout, High Bush Cranberry, and the sweet pungent smell of Sitka Alder in the Spring. It is 3km from Cumshewa Inlet to the East, and Security and Peel Inlet 5km to the West. It is about 24km from the Alliford Bay ferry landing, and roughly 41km from K’il Kun Sandspit. 

The K’aayxada Adventure Camp is deeply grateful to the late Gitkinjuuwaas Chief Cumshewa, Charlie Wesley, for allowing the facility to operate on his clan’s territory, and to his descendants for allowing us to continue to run programs for the youth of Haida Gwaii on their lands.

https://www.haidanation.ca/press-release-educational-camp-supported-by-haida-nation/

This illustration captures the timeless flow of water — whether a creek, a river, a lake, or the vast ocean. At the top, a figure emerges: she is Mouse Woman, a supernatural being believed to guide the youth along the right path, always offering a helping hand when needed. Below her, a joyful figure smiles, their hands gently immersed in the water. They symbolize the children who play, learn, and grow with the waters.

Guustl’as Rorick is a Haida artist dedicated to giving back to his community and preserving the cultural heritage of his people. Currently apprenticing under Cori Savard, Guustl’as seeks to deepen his understanding of Haida art and traditions, ensuring their continuation for future generations. Inspired by the resilience of Haida Elders and the passion of today’s youth, he strives to contribute to the ongoing narrative of Haida culture. Growing up in Skidegate, Guustl’as was immersed in the beauty of Haida art, which has become an integral part of his identity. Through his work, he aims to connect with the past, honor his traditions, and make a meaningful impact within his community.