The Haida Nation is internationally-renowned for its "Black Slate" or Argillite found at Slatechuck Creek on the Queen Charlotte Islands off the coast of British Columbia.

Argillite is a relatively soft stone to carve, and is considered highly valued. Large pieces are a challenge to obtain from the quarry, especially as Argillite is considered a limited resource. Apart from small totem poles, various objects carved from Argillite include plates with incised designs, pendants, pipes, small boxes and sculptured figures. A new generation of inspired artists have inlaid the Argillite with abalone, catlanite, ivory and gold.