For the Haida people, the forest is more than a landscape; it is a provider, a storyteller, and the base that is intertwined with Haida culture and history. At the heart of this relationship lies the ancient art of weaving. To look at a Haida basket or a ceremonial hat is to see a craft rooted in history, where each twine, plait and twill shares a history of time immemorial.
The Tree of Life
At the foundation of Haida textiles is the Western Red Cedar (Ts’uu / Ts’úu), often referred to as the “Tree of Life.” For generations, Haida weavers have practiced a sustainable harvest that honors the spirit of the tree. Stripping the inner bark is a delicate process performed in the spring when the sap is rising, allowing the bark to pull away cleanly without killing the tree. Once harvested, the bark is processed into supple, ribbon-like strands that might be used to weave hats, clothing, baskets, and more. Haida weaving is distinguished by its intricate patterns and structural integrity. Naturally water repellant and rot resistant, cedar was woven into everyday tools and textiles.
For a period during the 19th and 20th centuries, these traditions faced the pressures of colonization and the potlatch ban. However, the roots remained deep, and today, Haida weaving is experiencing a powerful resurgence.
Haida History Returns with Intention
The Haida are also well known for carving impressive cedar canoes. They carved unique paddles, an art form unto themselves – used to steer and propel the canoes along coastal waters. But stories, handed down by elders, recounted the use of sails, enabling trade and travel to far off places. Today, The Haida Sails Resurgence Project is breathing life back into the historic use of cedar sails with the Haida dugout canoe.
“At the heart of a Haida sail is the cedar tree. The cedar provides not only the material for the sail and the canoe but also a deeper, spiritual connection to our land. The act of weaving a cedar sail is an offering to the cedar tree and to the ocean, an expression of respect and gratitude for the sustenance it has provided the Haida for thousands of years. Just as our ancestors used sails to navigate and sustain our way of life, we now return to this practice as a reaffirmation of our commitment to the natural world. The cedar sail, woven with care and intention, is not just a tool; it is a ceremony—a living expression of our cultural identity.”
Special Haida Gwaii Sailing Tour:
July 24 – 31, 2026 – Island Solitude
Join Haida Sails and Resurgence Project lead and weaver, Paula Varnell, on an unforgettable voyage through history. Bluewater Adventures has created a unique opportunity to learn from Paula. Her dedication to the resurgence of the Haida language, stories and art is vibrantly alive and shared widely. See more information here (BUTTON) and secure your space on this unforgettable Bluewater Adventures expedition, touring Haida Gwaii.
July 24 – 31, 2026
Start / Finish – Sandspit
$9985 per person (add $200 sustainability fee & 5% GST)
Book Now
