Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art stands as Canada’s only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast. Since its opening in May 2008, the gallery has been a vibrant space for celebrating the legacies of Indigenous artists, both past and present. Named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid, the gallery not only preserves his remarkable body of work but also serves as a platform for emerging and established Indigenous artists to share their stories with the world.  Through its exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops, the Bill Reid Gallery offers an immersive experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for Indigenous cultures and values.

bill reid gallery, christian white, haida artist, west coast haida art, helen siwak, folioyvr, vancouver, bc, yvr, ecoluxury

This winter, the Bill Reid Gallery continues its mission with the Vancouver premiere of Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist, a retrospective honouring the life and artistry of Christian White. Running from February 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026, the exhibition celebrates over five decades of White’s contributions to Haida art and culture.

Visitors will journey through his multidisciplinary work, which spans intricate argillite carvings, monumental sculptures, ocean-going cedar canoes, and exquisite gold and silver jewellery. Equally significant is White’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Haida stories, songs, and dances.

bill reid gallery, christian white, haida artist, west coast haida art, helen siwak, folioyvr, vancouver, bc, yvr, ecoluxury

A Journey Through Art and Tradition

Curated by Sdahl Ḵ’awaas Lucy Bell and Gudangee X͟ahl Kil Amelia Rea, this exhibition highlights over 40 works by Christian White, spanning various mediums.

Key pieces include Raven Copper Shield (1976), crafted at age 14, and Raven Transformation (2022), a transformational mask with intricate designs. The collection also features House Box (2024), White’s latest bentwood creation.

bill reid gallery, christian white, haida artist, west coast haida art, helen siwak, folioyvr, vancouver, bc, yvr, ecoluxury

bill reid gallery, christian white, haida artist, west coast haida art, helen siwak, folioyvr, vancouver, bc, yvr, ecoluxury

A member of the Yahgulaanas Haida Raven Clan and son of Chief Edensu, Morris White, Christian’s work is rooted in Haida traditions. Beginning his career at 14 by carving argillite, he has since advanced Haida practices like pole carving and canoe building.

Mentorship is central to the exhibition, with contributions from eight apprentices, including Corey Bulpitt and Allan Weir, whose collaborative works highlight Haida art’s evolution and White’s lasting influence.

bill reid gallery, christian white, haida artist, west coast haida art, helen siwak, folioyvr, vancouver, bc, yvr, ecoluxury

White co-founded the Haida Repatriation Committee, returning over 500 Haida ancestors’ remains to Haida Gwaii. He also created bentwood chests with his apprentices for these sacred returns, emphasizing cultural preservation.

Exhibition Details HERE!

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer
Helen Siwak, Luxury Lifestyle Observer
Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.
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