The Weaving of Aay Aay -k'uuga kiljuu t'aa guudadaal Walks Lightly with a Big Heart

Haida artist aay aay gidins belongs to the Skidegate Gidins Naa Yuuwans Xaaydagaay of HIGaagilda Skidegate. His chief is SGiidagids WiiGanad. aay aay carries three names: aay aay land owner, Gidgyaagans house boy, and k'uuga kiljuu t'aa guudadaal walks lightly with a big heart. He comes from a long line of artists, including his old, old nanaay grandmother, Fanny, who was a weaver; his old nanaay, Kathleen, who split roots; his Nanaay Golie, who learned to weave cedar bark in her 60s; and his mom, Gladys, who was a chef - an artist in her own right.

The summer of 2025 marked aay aay's twentieth year as a weaver.

His journey began August 5, 2005, while he was working as a Haida Gwaii Watchman at Gandll K'in Gwaay.yaay Hot Springs Island with his Nanaay Golie. She observed his strong work ethic and offered to teach him to weave cedar bark. aay aay's first piece was a red cedar bark hat, and from that moment forward, he "just never stopped!"

In 2008, aay aay expanded his weaving practice to include wool, studying the fine art of Raven's Tail under master weaver Kuujuuhl Evelyn Vanderhoop. In 2012, Kujuuhl declared aay aay ready to teach Raven's Tail. He continued his studies with Kujuuhl, learning Naaxiin (Chilkat) weaving in 2013. In 2024, she declared him ready to teach this fine art as well. In 2023, aay aay began his tutelage in spruce root weaving, studying under Kuujuhl's mom and sister, master weavers Ilskyaalas Delores Churchill and Xiibli kingang April Churchill, and Apri's daughter, Jaad Taaw Paula Varnell. He's also studied jewellry, carving and flat design with various other artists.

Known for his kindness and generosity of spirit, aay aay is widely recognized for his gifting or donating of weavings and surprise draws, and tor his willingness to share his weaving knowledge with others. His commitment to Haida Gwaii, his people, art and culture extends beyond the loom. aay aay is a Nation-based scholar, learning cultural knowledge, language and history from his Nanaay Golie, who was a matriarch, and from his old uncle, Nang King. aay 'uwans James Young, the last formally trained oral historian on Haida Gwaii.

Both were also fluent speakers and teachers of Xaayda kil the Haida language.

aay aay has also gained scholarship through his choices in careers, working as a Haida Gwaii Watchman (2003-2007); Haida Heritage

Centre Cultural Ambassador (2007-2010); mentor and digitizer for Skidegate Haida Immersion Program (2007-2018); and as a cultural guide for Haida House (c. 2012-2019). aay aay's most recent employment has been with Saahlinda Naay / the Haida Gwaii Museum. He began as an intern in late 2020, working diligently to ensure the respectful return of Haida Ancestors and Belongings. In early 2025, aay aay became our Research & Repatriation Manager.

A cherished member of the team, aay aay brings the same spirit of kindness, generosity, scholarship, mentorship, and attention to detail to his work as he does with everything in his life. The Haida Gwaii Museum team is very honoured to present 20 years of weaving by our beloved aay aay Gidgyaagans k'uuga kiljuu t'aa guudadaal, a being who truly walks lightly with a big heart.