The Spirit of Haida Gwaii was Bill Reid’s final major work. This complex sculpture features a Haida canoe, filled with some of Reid’s favourite creatures of Haida tradition. He has freed them from their static positions on totem poles, making them fresh and meaningful to a contemporary audience.

In November 1991, a huge group of Haida Elders, dancers, singers and community leaders attended the lavish unveiling ceremony of The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Black Canoe at the new Canadian Embassy in Washington DC. The full-size plaster-cast is preserved in the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. Five years later, in 1996, another version, The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe, was cast for the Vancouver International Airport.

Join us on Saturday, February 25th from 1 - 3 pm for an afternoon panel discussion focused on exploring the continued significance of Bill Reid's 'The Spirit of Haida Gwaii' masterwork.

Panelists include:

George Rammell
Nika Collison
Dr. Martine Reid
Plus more to be announced

This event is free with Gallery admission.