The new Haida Heritage Centre at Qay'llnagaay, on Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, will open to the public on July 1, 2007 to initiate its "soft opening preview season". It is on the site of the ancient Haida village, known as Qay’llnagaay (also spelled Kaay Llnagaay), meaning "Sea Lion Town".

The Centre is a meeting and gathering place – a place of inspiration and an opportunity to share the rich Haida culture with the rest of the world. The $26 million, 50,000 square foot complex, modeled after traditional Haida cedar longhouses, was completed in January of this year. Modern elements of the glass Welcome House and building links accentuate the traditional Haida design form. Fronting the Haida Heritage Centre are six monumental totem poles representing the historic villages of the southern Haida.

The Haida Heritage Centre is home to the Haida Gwaii Museum and the Bill Reid Teaching Centre. It is composed of "Houses" that include a Gift Shop featuring Haida art, jewellery, books and crafts by local artists, plus a temporary exhibitions gallery that will feature works by contemporary artists and travelling shows. The Café is designed to serve snacks, light meals and traditional Haida cuisine. The Performing House is an indoor amphitheatre for performances, ceremonies, meetings, and special events. At the carving shed visitors can watch totem pole and canoe carving demonstrations. Tours and excursions will originate at the Centre and orientation sessions for visitors to Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve are also available on-site.

The first community event to be hosted at the Haida Heritage Centre is Skidegate Days on July 20th and 21st, 2007. Everyone is invited to witness canoe races in traditional carved canoes, a salmon barbecue, bingo, ball tournament, and kids' activities. Says Chief Councillor, Willard Wilson of the Skidegate Band, "The Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay is an opportunity for Skidegate to allow the world a glimpse into who we are as Haida people and what is important to us – the land, the sea, the animals, our Haida language and culture, an understanding of how everything is intertwined and all encompassing."

Haida Gwaii, means "Islands of the People" in the Haida language. It is a diverse archipelago of over 150 islands located on the Northwest coast of British Columbia, Canada. Nestled below the Alaskan Panhandle and separated from the British Columbia mainland and the city of Prince Rupert by Hecate Strait, Haida people have lived here for over 12,000 years.

Getting to Haida Gwaii and the Haida Heritage Centre can be accomplished by means of a scenic BC Ferries route, following the ancient canoe routes of the legendary Haida warriors and traders, or by daily flights from Vancouver offered by both Air Canada Jazz and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Hours at the Centre are 10 am to 8 pm daily in July & August. Admission rates are adults $12, students (13 -18) $9, Children (6-12 years) $6, under six years are free.

For more information on the Haida Heritage Centre,
Telephone: 250-559-7885
Fax: 250-559-7886
www.haidaheritagecentre.com
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