Masset history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Masset is inextricably linked with the heritage of the Indigenous Haida people, who have inhabited the Haida Gwaii archipelago for thousands of years. The name of the town itself comes from an Anglicised version of the word "Masolid" (or "Maast"), which the locals used to designate a small island in the inlet. The first documented contacts with European navigators exploring the coast of the modern province of British Columbia (Canada) date back to the late 18th century, when captains of merchant ships began mapping these lands.

Key Factors of Establishment

Masset's transformation into an important settlement was driven by a combination of geographical and economic reasons:

• Strategic Geography: The town is located at the entrance to Masset Inlet. This deep-water and protected natural harbour served as an ideal shelter for vessels from the severe storms of the Pacific Ocean.
• Marine Resources: The exceptional richness of the coastal waters in fish and crabs became a magnet for fishermen and contributed to the creation of a permanent economic base.
• Military Presence: In a later period, the placement of a military station near the settlement played an important role in infrastructure development, ensuring an influx of population and investment.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, the region's economy began to shift from traditional trade and fur trapping to industrial scales. A key feature was the opening of fish canneries, which provided employment and attracted new settlers. Masset received official village status only in the mid-20th century, although it functioned as a trading and fishing post long before that.

The cultural landscape of the area was formed in close interaction between two worlds: the ancient traditions of the Haida people, known for their wood carving art and totems, and the lifestyle of European settlers focused on the commercial development of resources.

Major Historical Milestones

The past of the settlement of Masset is a journey from an ancient village of Indigenous people to a strategically important outpost in modern Canada.

• Ancient Period: For millennia, a Haida settlement known as Utt-ewas (Old Masset) existed on this territory.
• 1791: American Captain Joseph Ingraham visited the sound, marking one of the first documented contacts between locals and Western navigators.
• 1909: Official land surveying for "New Masset" was conducted, marking the beginning of the planned development of the settlement by European colonists.
• 1914: Construction of the first road connecting the town to the local landmark Tow Hill was completed, improving transport accessibility.
• 1942: Due to the events of the Second World War, construction began on a military airfield, which subsequently became the foundation for the civil airport.
• 1961: Masset officially received Village status, gaining municipal self-government.
• 1971: The official opening of the Canadian Forces Station (CFS Masset) took place, leading to a significant influx of population and an economic boom.
• 1997: The military station was switched to remote operation mode, which entailed an outflow of residents and a reorientation of the economy towards eco-tourism and fishing.
• 2010: As part of a historic agreement, the archipelago was officially renamed Haida Gwaii, highlighting the cultural significance of the region for the Indigenous population.

Development Milestones and Transformations

The history of the formation of the town of Masset is a path from a small trading post to an important transport and tourism centre on the map of British Columbia (Canada). The key stages of its development are inextricably linked with resource development and strategic decisions.

• Establishment of a Fishery Centre. The appearance of the first canneries in the early 20th century became a powerful economic driver. This event turned a seasonal settlement into a permanent locality, providing residents with stable work and stimulating the arrival of new settlers.
• Integration of the Transport Network. The construction of the first road to Tow Hill in 1914 and the subsequent development of the road network connected scattered parts of the settlement. This simplified logistics and promoted internal trade on the island.
• Creation of an Aviation Hub. The construction of the airport during the Second World War radically changed the accessibility of the region. The airfield became a vital artery connecting the isolated archipelago with the mainland, which subsequently allowed for the development of civil aviation.
• Gaining Municipal Status. Official incorporation as a village in 1961 gave Masset administrative autonomy. This allowed for the creation of its own planning services, the launch of beautification programmes, and the modernisation of communal infrastructure.
• Urbanisation of the Cold War Era. The opening of the CFS Masset military station in 1971 led to a construction boom. New residential quarters, schools, and a hospital were erected to accommodate military personnel and their families, significantly expanding the town's boundaries and improving the quality of life.
• Economic Diversification. Following the reduction of the military presence in the late 1990s, the town successfully reoriented itself towards the service sector. The opening of lodges for sport fishing and the development of eco-tourism became the new basis for the well-being of local residents.
• Cultural Renaissance. In recent decades, the town has become a centre for the revival of Haida art. The installation of monumental totems and the development of ethnographic tourism have transformed the cultural landscape, making it unique for visitors.

Urban Planning Features and General Appearance

The architectural landscape of the town of Masset is distinguished by restraint and a harmonious blending with the rugged nature of the archipelago. The urban structure of the settlement is dictated by its geographical position on the coast and its historical development in two stages: as a fishing port and as a military garrison. The development is predominantly low-rise and sparse, with wide streets, which is characteristic of remote settlements in British Columbia (Canada). The visual appearance of the town is formed by a combination of utilitarian residential buildings and elements of the traditional culture of Indigenous peoples.

Architectural Styles and Historical Layers

In the appearance of Masset, several key periods can be traced, each corresponding to a specific approach to construction:

• Wooden Architecture of Early Settlers (Early 20th Century). The era of the establishment of commercial fishing left behind simple frame houses clad in wood. This "pioneer" style is characterised by functionality, gable roofs for protection against rain, and a lack of excessive decoration.
• Military Functionalism (1970s). The period of active operation of the military station brought standard development to the town. Entire blocks were erected to accommodate personnel (so-called PMQ — Permanent Married Quarters). These houses are distinguished by a unified layout, pragmatism, and simplicity of form, creating an ordered grid of streets.
• West Coast Style and Neo-Haida (Modernity). Modern public buildings and tourist facilities are often built using massive cedar beams and large amounts of glass. This style strives for integration with the landscape and cites elements of traditional Haida longhouses.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

Although there are no grand cathedrals or palaces in Masset, several objects form its unique atmosphere:

• Dixon Entrance Maritime Museum. The building housing the museum is itself a historical monument. Built in the early 20th century, it originally served as a school and hospital, being a vivid example of the region's early public architecture.
• St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Located in the historic part (Old Masset), this church is an important spiritual centre and an example of the adaptation of European religious architecture to local conditions.
• Totems and Longhouses. In the immediate vicinity of the town's administrative borders, in the community of Old Masset, one can see modern reconstructions of traditional Haida dwellings and monumental totem poles, which are architectural landmarks and symbols of the region's cultural revival.

Famous Residents and Historical Figures

The history and culture of the town of Masset are inextricably linked with the names of outstanding artists, keepers of traditions, and figures of the arts. Thanks to its close proximity to the community of Old Masset, this region has given the world a whole galaxy of masters whose work has glorified the Haida Gwaii archipelago and the country of Canada far beyond their borders.

• Charles Edenshaw (c. 1839–1920)
  Master carver, artist, jeweller
  One of the most influential Haida artists in history. He lived and worked in Masset during a period of colossal social change. His virtuoso works in argillite, silver, and wood became the benchmark of the classic Haida style and today adorn the best museums in the world, serving as a testament to the high craftsmanship of Indigenous peoples.
• Susan Musgrave (born 1951)
  Poet, writer, essayist
  A significant figure in modern Canadian literature who chose Masset as her home. In addition to her literary activities, she is known as the owner of the historic Copper Beech House guest house, which has become a cultural attraction for creative people visiting the island.
• Robert Davidson (born 1946)
  Sculptor, wood carver, graphic artist
  The great-grandson of Charles Edenshaw, who grew up in Old Masset. He became a key figure in the Haida cultural renaissance when, in 1969, he carved and raised the first new totem pole in the village in almost a century. His monumental works can be found in galleries and parks around the world.
• William Henry Collison (1847–1922)
  Missionary, ethnographer, writer
  The first permanent missionary to settle in Masset in 1876. Although his activities were related to the spread of Christianity, he left behind important ethnographic records and memoirs detailing the life and culture of the islanders in the late 19th century.
• Florence Davidson (1896–1993)
  Elder, master weaver, keeper of traditions
  The daughter of Charles Edenshaw, who lived in Masset for nearly a century. She played an invaluable role in preserving oral history, genealogy, and traditional crafts (weaving from spruce roots and cedar bark) at a time when many customs were under threat of extinction.
• Jim Hart (born 1952)
  Hereditary Chief, master carver
  An outstanding contemporary artist whose workshop is located in Old Masset. He is known for his large-scale projects, including the creation of totems and architectural elements, as well as active work with youth to pass on traditional carving skills.