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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1984
Meet the Artists
We work with a number of local Haida artists and northwest coast Indigenous artists.
My sister and I also design and make a selection of jewelry using crystals, gemstones, fossils, agate, and a local rhyolite we call Serenity Stone. Visit the Our Story page to learn more about us and how we got involved in jewelry, crystals & Haida art.
We want to take this opportunity to tell you more about some of the amazing Haida and Indigenous artists who we work with.
Which Haida and Indigenous artists work do you carry?
We work with a diverse group of more than 20 Haida and Indigenous artists. To learn more about each artist, click their name below to read their biography.
Is the Haida artwork you sell authentic?
Yes, it is.
We only purchase Haida art from Haida artists. These artists are our neighbours. They are Haida artists who have been culturally connected to Haida Gwaii for thousands of years. We know that their work is authentic. My sister and I were born and raised on Haida Gwaii and the artists who we work with we have known for many years. From time to time, we also carry artwork from other talented Indigenous artists, whose names and nations are listed in the product descriptions.
Why is your focus mainly on art and jewelry from the Haida nation?
We are located on Haida Gwaii, the unceded territory of the Haida people. Alongside our own creations and passion for crystals, highlighting the works of Haida artists from local communities aligns with our knowledge and passion for jewelry making and our relationships with local artists.
Why buy Haida jewelry & art from a local store on Haida Gwaii?
We live and work on Haida Gwaii. Purchasing from us is a way to ensure your purchase stays within the local Haida Gwaii economy.
In addition to working with established artists, we focus on highlighting works by emerging artists and women artists. We're happy to use our platform to bring more awareness to their work.
Why do you sell Haida art and jewelry?
When our parents first opened the store in Haida Gwaii in 1980, local Haida artists approached them to sell their artwork. Overtime, we continued to work with Haida artists from across the islands. Much of the relationships developed span two generations, as we continue to work with these artists today.
My father, Dutes, was a goldsmith and lapidary artist, and enjoyed collaborating with artists to share his knowledge and ideas in jewelry making. He shared his lapidary workshop, tools, materials, and sometimes collaborated on Haida jewelry pieces to integrate unique gemstones and crystals.
After he passed, many artists continued to support us, his daughters, by providing business advice, technical knowledge of the art form, and a patient ear for queries concerning their art. Haawa to these artists for their support.
Are you Haida?
No, my sister and I are not from the Haida Nation and we are not Indigenous. We were born and raised in Haida Gwaii. Our mother was born in Ontario and our father was born in France. Growing up on Haida Gwaii we were exposed to Haida art and culture from a young age, and are appreciative of this opportunity to continue learning from artists about the history of the art form and the incredible contemporary works of art being created by this generation.
Is wearing Haida jewelry or displaying Haida art cultural appropriation?
Have you ever wondered, “Is wearing Haida or Northwest Coast jewelry cultural appropriation? Is it appropriate to have Haida art in my home?"
Bottom line, it's always a good time to support Haida and northwest coast artists. But you don’t have to take our word for it.
It all starts with the intention and purpose behind the piece, which you wouldn’t necessarily know at first glance.
In a past visit to Crystal Cabin Gallery, renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson shared valuable information with April, Crystal Cabin Gallery Owner, about the different types of Haida art created today. These are not his direct words, but a summary of what we understood from his sharing. Haawa Robert for sharing this with us.
Haida art for ceremonial purposes: Sacred items for ceremonial purposes are generally not to be sold. An artist may make ceremonial pieces, but will not sell them to the general public. Instead, these items are kept within the culture and used in ceremony, for example, a mask or pole made with the purpose to be used in ceremony, such as a feast, headstone moving or potlatch.
Haida art for representation of one’s clan: When you’re Haida, you are born or adopted into a clan system based on your mother’s lineage. Each clan has crests that can be used in jewelry, regalia (traditional wear), tattoo, etc. These crests are bestowed upon the individual and identify their lineage and relations to members of other clans.
Haida art as an item of trade: Artists from the Haida Nation have always created artwork for trade, beginning with trading between neighbouring nations on the mainland, such as the Tsimshian, Tlingit, Nisga'a and other nations along the coast. First contact with Europeans drove further global demand for art produced by Haida artists. Today's continued interest in Haida art and culture has helped to bring international recognition and support for a wide range of works by Haida artists.
All pieces sold by Crystal Cabin Gallery are created by the artists as an item of trade. The intention behind these pieces is to be worn, shared, and admired by all—as determined by the artists themselves.
What is the Artists’ Tool Fund?
We have developed an Artists’ Tool Fund. With donations from customers, matched by Crystal Cabin and other donors, we provide one artist per quarter with a new jewelry tool that they need to become more efficient or further their jewelry art form. You can donate to this fund here.
