Kung (Haida village)

Kung, also known as Old Massett, is a historically significant village located on the northern coast of Graham Island, in Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands), British Columbia, Canada. It is one of two main Haida communities on Haida Gwaii, the other being Skidegate.

Kung is an important cultural and historical site for the Haida people. The village site has been occupied for thousands of years and contains numerous ancient village sites, including house remains, totem poles (many of which are now in museums), and other artifacts. The area is known for its rich archaeological record, providing valuable insights into the pre-colonial history and culture of the Haida.

Historically, Kung was a major trading center and a political hub within Haida Gwaii. The village's location provided access to important resources, including fish, shellfish, and cedar. The Haida of Kung were skilled seafarers and traders, maintaining extensive trade networks with other Indigenous communities along the Northwest Coast.

Today, Kung continues to be an active Haida community. While the traditional village site is largely uninhabited, it remains a significant place for cultural ceremonies, resource management, and the perpetuation of Haida traditions. The modern community of Old Massett, located near the traditional site of Kung, is a vibrant center for Haida language revitalization, arts, and cultural preservation. Efforts are ongoing to protect and preserve the archaeological sites and cultural heritage of Kung for future generations.