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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1984
Known as Sg̲aana in Haida, orcas hold an important place in Haida art and oral histories. They appear as a crest belonging to several clans and are often shown as supernatural beings that live in an ocean world with its own longhouses, communities, and traditions, a mirror of human society beneath the waves. Orcas are a part of stories that speak to relationships, transformations, and the power of the natural world. Many Haida stories place orcas in key roles, often as guides, protectors, or figures connected to family and the underworld.
If you’ve spent time on the waters around Haida Gwaii, chances are you’ve seen orcas firsthand. They tend to travel in pods, moving in rhythm with each other, sometimes surfacing slowly, sometimes charging through the waves.
There’s something striking about how they move: purposeful, calm, and highly aware of each other. It’s no surprise they’re often seen as symbols of community, connection, and intelligence. Watching orcas can shift your sense of scale and remind you just how interconnected life in the ocean really is.
Argillite Orca Carving by Haida artist, Amy Edgars
The orca crest carries many layers of meaning. Orcas are seen as symbols of family and community, known for traveling in close-knit pods led by matriarchs and staying together for life. Their intelligence is also widely recognized. They communicate using complex vocalizations and have been observed problem-solving in ways that reflect strong social learning. In Haida stories, orcas are connected to the underworld, believed to live in an ocean realm that mirrors our own, complete with longhouses and its own customs. They’re also seen as beings of transformation. In some stories, they help humans move between worlds, especially during times of change or personal challenge. One well-known Haida story tells of a man who rides a killer whale into the underworld to bring back his wife, a story of devotion, bravery, and the enduring relationship between the sea, land, and supernatural realms. As Haida artist Raven Thorgeirson shares, “Killer Whale is a powerful being that lives in the Ocean realm and is part of many Haida stories.”
Kun Art Print by Haida Artist, Tyson Brown
In Haida art, Orcas are typically shown with a large dorsal fin, a rounded head, and a whale tail. These details show up across many forms: engraved jewelry, argillite carvings, paintings, paddles, and prints, and each piece reflects both personal style and cultural teachings.
14k Gold Orca Bracelet by Haida Artist, James Sawyer
Do you have a personal story or meaningful moment connected to orcas? We’d love to hear it. Feel free to leave a comment below or reply to this post.
Want to explore more? Browse our curated collection of Orca Art and Jewelry, crafted by Haida and Northwest Coast artists.
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