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Haida Style Expeditions is a designated Authentic Indigenous tourism operator and recognized for its significant contribution to Haida cultural immersion programming, environmental co-management, and business strategy built around Yahguudang, or respect for all living things.
Haida Style Expeditions
Haida Style Expeditions is the first Haida-owned and -operated business in Gwaii Haanas in more than 25 years. Owned by twin brothers James and William Cowpar, this community-based cultural adventure and fishing expedition company on Haida Gwaii values community relationships.
CULTURE
Responsible tourism shares history, stories, and culture in a way that sustains the land. Haida Style educates visitors about Haida perspectives on the environment. All experiences the company provides follow protocols that honour the seven Haida stewardship laws.
Haida Style offers programs and packages at Swan Bay Rediscovery, a Haida cultural camp in Gwaii Haanas that now operates a summer adult cultural immersion program. Guides share traditional knowledge of Haida history, harvesting, house building, and social structure with visitors and researchers in a way that focuses on the living Haida culture and long-term community building.
COMMUNITY
Haida Style is building businesses that support one another in tourism and other industries. The guiding company partners with local B&Bs, lodges and other businesses and employs local fishers and harvesters to keep Haida food on the table in a way that is sustainable and mutually beneficial.
James Cowpar and several guides at Haida Style have served the Haida Gwaii Watchman Program, a legendary nation-based model for upholding contemporary and traditional stewardship laws that has gained global attention. Responsible for protecting the integrity and beauty of Gwaii Haanas, the Haida Gwaii Watchmen monitor five areas of cultural significance, and Haida Style offers tour to all these sites.
SUSTAINABILITY
In true Haida style, James Cowpar believes that if the business model works, there is an obligation to share with others. The model is successful; Haida Style has been able to extend its season by almost four months since its opening in 2012, increasing employment and opportunities for local Indigenous and non-Indigenous economies. Haida Style demonstrates the art of reciprocity by spending locally, from mechanics to jam.
The guides are adventure seekers and traditional culture sharers who host professors, archaeologists, graduate students, and scientists on expeditions within the territory to learn about conservation and local biodiversity from traditional Haida stewardship laws. Traditional and western research models come together on Haida Gwaii.
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We walk gently and encourage education and exploration about the rich and diverse Indigenous cultures in British Columbia.