| The Kaay Centre not only preserves and displays historical artifacts, but is a living cultural centre where Haida practise and teach carving, basketry, jewellery making, weaving, traditional foodways, and language. The art of Haida basket weaving almost died completely when the population was decimated; it was preserved by the diligent efforts of a tiny handful of women (as in many cultures, weaving in Haida Gwaii was traditionally a woman's art). This pole in progress reminds us that the art we see here is not a dead tradition but a living one. Haida artists are still developing and furthering their art. |
