Dear god! Why December? It’s rainy rainy rainy there in December. Also, getting to Gwaii Haanas in winter might be very difficult with storms and such.

I am not too sure how you can get “in” to the community, every community is different. My advice to you is to maybe contact the band council, or look up local businesses and see if you can make a contact that way. FYI, there is a certain protocol for entering a community in such a way. Always make tobacco offering when visiting anyone (usually in a bundle, though a package of loose tobacco will suffice, though not everyone is traditional and not everyone will want this, so you have to listen carefully and pay attention) be prepared to be turned down, and don’t take it personally!!! Good luck!

Yes, Christmas time is not the best time! You won’t be able to go swimming and some locals may be on the mainland. But the people are super friendly so I would think that if you are open and honest you shouldn’t have any problems meeting folks. I can’t give you anything specific as to how to get in with the community, but they appreciate warm, authentic people so let that be your guide.