A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, SGang Gwaay, in the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, occupies a spectacular site next to the Pacific. This was one of the largest villages of the southern archipelago, thought to have been inhabited for 1 500 years by some 400 people. Mortuary and memorial poles have withstood being battered by the elements. Most of these are still standing, providing a proud illustration of the way of life led by this island people who venerated the Eagle and the Raven.