This is a great family activity. Presented as part of the Ferry Building Gallery's Artspeaks series at the Harmony Arts Festival.
Todd Giihlgiigaa ('Heath-gee-ga') is a Haida cedar bark weaver based in Vancouver who started weaving hats and baskets with cedar bark in 2001. In 2010 he moved to Vancouver and started teaching weaving techniques to anyone who was interested, using whatever material they had on hand. By 2016, he started to teach full-time with the mandate: Get everyone a cedar bark hat by teaching them the skill of how to weave one of their own. Todd is one of the 60s Scoop survivors. Mastering traditional cedar bark weaving, making hats, baskets, and bracelets has played a strong role in Todd’s discovery of his cultural identity.
While Todd is primarily self-taught, his weaving style has been impacted by some important teachers. His first teacher, Terry Russ of Masset in Haida Gwaii, taught him how to process cedar bark. In 2005, he learned an important traditional Haida technique from Sherri Dick of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, weaving his first Haida Hat. Five years later in 2010, Haida weaver Holly Churchill of Ketchikan introduced him to a few more signature Haida techniques and shared important cultural stories.
For the past ten years, Todd has been sharing his skills through demonstrations, workshops, weaving circles and informal mentorships. His focus is on the practical use of his creations and the community building potential of this fine craft. Todd’s work is exhibited at various community galleries and cultural events, and is available for sale through his website and local gift shops.
