Haida Cultural Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay
The culture of the Haida is intrinsically linked to the natural world.
The Cultural Centre is designed to give visitors constant and ever-changing glimpses of the surrounding environment. The new building references Haida traditions of longhouses and totem poles, and has the overall appearance of a traditional village.
Entering the Haida Cultural Centre, the visitor passes through a coastal rainforest into a glass clad six beam welcome house affording panoramic views of the sky, sea and land of Haida Gwaii (the land of the people).
The Cultural Centre includes a welcome space, museum, restaurant, performance space, canoe shed, artists workshops, the Bill Reid Teaching Centre, a carving shed and the Gwaii Haanas offices.
The Haida Cultural Centre has had significant economic impact for Haida Gwaii.
The Haida Cultural Centre has greatly contributed to the cultural tourism industry by diversifying Haida Gwaii’s economic structure. Adding the Centre as a primary destination for tourism itineraries means visitors now spend an additional two to three days in Northern BC.
In addition to being a globally marketed tourist attraction, the Centre has also created up to 50 new jobs on Haida Gwaii.
“Ḵay Llnagaay protects and fosters Haida culture by reaffirming our traditions and beliefs, encouraging artistic expression and serving as a keeper of all that we are. Ḵay Llnagaay is a place for the Haida voice to be heard. This is our gift to the world.”
– Haida Heritage Centre
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