The ancestors of the current Gitga’at people used to live in Laxgal’tsap (Old Town) in Kitikiata Inlet, an area on the northwestern side of the Douglas Channel. They lived in this area during the winter months, but used several other camps along the coastline during the warmer months.
The Gitga’at had their first encounter with the Europeans in the 1870s. Their relationship remained economical until the arrival of two missionaries: Thomas Crosby and William Duncan. Many of the Gitga’at joined William Duncan in a newly established Christian community in Alaska, but some remained. These remaining Gitga’at people decided to migrate to Txalgiu, recently named Hartley Bay, to begin a new community.
The tiny village of Hartley Bay sits quietly
The Gitga’at had their first encounter with the Europeans in the 1870s. Their relationship remained economical until the arrival of two missionaries: Thomas Crosby and William Duncan. Many of the Gitga’at joined William Duncan in a newly established Christian community in Alaska, but some remained. These remaining Gitga’at people decided to migrate to Txalgiu, recently named Hartley Bay, to begin a new community.
The tiny village of Hartley Bay sits quietly