Giihlgiigaa Todd DeVries

Haida
Cedar Weaving

Todd DeVries is a Haida cedar bark weaver based in Vancouver. He is also known by his Haida name, G̱íihlgiigaa. Todd first started weaving with western red cedar bark in 2001 following a mysterious vision he had of the Old Woman of the Forest.

Todd is primarily self-taught, but his weaving style has been impacted by some important teachers. His first teacher, Terry Russ of Masset, Haida Gwaii taught him how to process cedar bark. In 2005, he learned an important traditional Haida technique from Sherri Dick of Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, weaving his first Haida hat. Five years later, Haida weaver Holly Churchill of Ketchikan introduced him to a few more signature Haida techniques and shared important cultural stories. 

For the past nine years since his move to Vancouver, he has been sharing his skills, and teaching other weavers how to master materials of their own choosing as well as cedar bark, through demonstrations, workshops, weaving circles and informal mentorships. He has taught communities as diverse as elders and youth through community programs throughout BC. Todd also sells his woven items, mainly hats through his own website as well as gift shops and galleries.

https://ithkilgaa.blogspot.com/