 Tlingit people and their ancestors have inhabited this island for thousands of years.According to "Naanyaa.aayí" clan traditions, Tlingit people migrated down the Stikine River during a time when the river still flowed underneath glaciers.The population slowly moved down the river, settling in different locations such as "Tlákw.aan" "Ancient Village", "Sʼiknáx̱" "Across from the Grass", "Shaal.aan" "Fish Trap Town", "Xakw.aan" "Sandbar Village", and "Kayáash" "Platform", Hehl (Xel/Xehl) "Foam People", Hehl being the senior of house of the village.