Xaad kil (Haida language) is the language spoken by the Xaadas (Haida people). "Guusuu" means "speak". So, Xaadas guusuu Xaad kil. ("Hod-oss goosoo Hod kill")
In Alaska, we have the Kaigani Xaadas, living in the villages of Hydaburg and Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island. My dad and his family grew up in Kasaan. My great-grandfather was born in Karta Bay, though the permanent village was Gasa'aan, what is now considered "Old Kasaan".
My interest in documenting and learning Xaad kil comes from my family background. In 2007, I made a short documentary, SURVIVING SOUNDS OF HAIDA, 8 minutes showing a few of our remaining Kasaan Xaadas descendants sharing some of their Xaad kil. I really want to make movies in Xaad kil.
Many people consider Xaad kil to be extinct. On the contrary! Though near the brink, we still have a few first speakers and some younger Xaadas learning their language. Thus, Xaad kil xiinangaanang! (Haida Lives!)
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