Haida Heritage Centre, Heritage centre in Skidegate, Canada

The Haida Heritage Centre in Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, consists of five contemporary monumental timber longhouses made of cedar, connected by an atrium. Six totem poles carved by Norman Price, Garner Moody, Guujaaw, Jim Hart, Tim Boyko and Giitsxaa stand outside, representing the villages of Chaatl, Cumshewa, Skedans, SGang Gwaii and Tanu. The complex includes the Haida Gwaii Museum, a Carving House, a Canoe House and a 250-seat Performance House.

The facility opened in 2007 after years of planning led by the Qay'llnagaay Heritage Centre Society. The project grew from a desire by the Haida to share their history and traditions with visitors from around the world.

The centre honors Haida culture through replica cedar longhouses that show traditional building methods. Visitors can see how these structures were organized and what rooms served different purposes in daily life.

The site is open several days each week and located on Graham Island, which you can reach by plane or ferry from the mainland. Plan to spend a few hours to see the galleries, displays, and any performances happening during your visit.

The Bill Reid Teaching Centre allows Haida apprentices to learn and pass on traditional artistic crafts in a working studio space. Visitors sometimes catch glimpses of artists at work and see how techniques are actually practiced.