What is Love Kaigani?

Love Kaigani was created to provide cultural education and modern gear for Haidas, other indigenous folks, and allies.  It is owned and operated by Stephanie Hamar, Xaadaas (Haida) of the SG̱aláns clan in Gasa'áan G̱áwtlaa (New Kasaan, Alaska).  

Stephanie creates educational experiences for locals and visitors which help them connect with the Haida culture and dig into the lifestyle, ideals, and day-to-day of the modern and ancient Haida people. 

 Visitors will see her at the museum in Kasaan giving tours, cracking bad jokes, and discussing history, artifacts, canoes, and wild food.  

Locals will find her in the classroom or out in the woods teaching kids and adults how to interact with their environment in ways that call back to the old days where thousands of years of cultural development led people to thrive on these northwestern Pacific islands.  This is often in the form of wild food harvests, language, and traditional art classes.

What does the word "Kaigani" mean?

The Haida people are the seafaring indigenous occupants of the coastal area spanning from Southeast Alaska down through the islands of British Columbia.  We were renowned warriors and exceptional artists - ever heard of a totem pole?  You're welcome!

In response to the political boundaries of the modern world, we use the word Kaigani to differentiate between Alaskan Haida people and our Canadian family to the south.