My favourite part of what we do here at the gift shop is to represent our local Haida and non-Haida artists in a positive and nurturing space,” Gid Kunii says. It is not unusual to have the artist show up in the store, and they have the opportunity to ...
As manager of the Gina DaahlGahl Naay Trading House, Gid Kunii wears many hats and takes on a leadership role by building a respectful relationship with each customer. She shares and provides the customer with a better understanding of the labour, history, and value of locally made argillite carvings, prints, clothing, housewares, and books - which many customers treasure.
“We are proud to display the artist’s talents here and expose them to our customers from far and wide”, she says of the small shop packed with artistic punch.
The carefully curated space matches the standards set by the Saalinda Naay (Saving things house) Haida Gwaii Museum at Kay Ilnagaay. “We are an ever changing and growing store as we flow with our artists and their changes and styles” she says.
Being a social person makes for the quiet days in the Gift shop to pass slowly and also allows Gid Kunii to focus on inventory, updating the store’s displays, polishing the silver and gold, and ordering in new books and gifts that showcase the unique art and history of Haida Gwaii.
She and the staff are always busy putting out new pieces, uploading new works to the website, and chatting with customers. There is so much to learn in the trading house from the staff, the vast array of artists works and impressive collection of books.
The Gina DaahlGahl Naay Trading Houses' collection of books contain many which are educational, and are written and produced by Indigenous authors, some who are home to the misty isles of Haida Gwaii.
These books are are relevant to the history and culture of Haida Gwaii, the Northwest Coast, and British Columbia.
Gina DaahlGahl Naay - The Trading House Gift Shop is a special and unique space to put it plainly as they offer a wide variety of artworks, prints, cards, apparel and many other types of gifts and souvenirs coupled with a welcoming atmosphere.
"We are located at the most incredible building and museum, and we are part of that experience" states Gid Kunii. The stunning building of the Haida Heritage Center at Kaay Llnagaay - Sea Lion Town includes the Gina DaahlGahl Naay - The Trading House Gift Shop, the Gyaa K'id Naay Carving House, the Skaajang Naay/Tluu Naay Canoe House, the Xaayda Sahlinda Naay Saving Things House - Haida Gwaii Museum, and the Gas Tea Naay Eating house - Kay Bistro.
With its cedar wood interior and glass display cases always full it calls to each visitor to stay awhile and further engage in Haida knowledge, with western and Haida art and culture, and hear a good story from the courteous staff.
The newly installed resin floor makes it easily accessible for all visitors who flow through the brightly lit and beautiful space.
Haida Gwaii gets into your soul and a good book and a unique art piece made by locals from the misty isles cements that intangible feeling deep into the traveller’s soul.
A visit to Haida Gwaii is not complete without a stop in at Gina DaahlGahl Naay The Trading House Gift Shop!
