Class teaches and preserves traditional Haida hat weaving

The WCA Cultural Center filled with the sweet aroma of cedar as students sat around tables, focused on their hats in progress in front of them. They dipped the strips of red and yellow cedar into bins of water and occasionally spritzed their weaving with water to keep it from drying and cracking.

Quiet chatter filled the room as they shared stories and advice.

Master weaver Holly Churchill, from Ketchikan, made her way around the room, offering helpful tips and reminding students not to get distracted by their conversation.

Churchill has taught eight classes like this one held in Wrangell in l...