| Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery and Gift Shop was established in 1969 on the Capilano Indian Reserve in North Vancouver, British Columbia, by Emily Baker who sought to provide an outlet for the carving, bead work, knitting, and stitchery talents of her friends. The store was given her husband Chief Simon Baker's traditional name Khot-La-Cha, which means "kind heart" in the Squamish language, and is now second-generation owned and operated by Nancy Nightingale, the Bakers' daughter.
 One of the main goals of the business is to "express and keep our Native culture alive through our crafts," explains Nightingale. "Keeping our crests, stories, and legends active is very important to ensure our traditions will be passed on to the next generation." Khot-La-Cha features items created by some of British Columbia's finest Aboriginal artists and craftspeople; most of the artwork and crafts are made by members of the Squamish Indian Band. Included are hand-carved yellow and red cedar totem poles and plaques, ceremonial masks, Hand Knit Indian sweaters, moccasins, and limited-edition prints. Specialties include hand-tanned moose hide crafts, as well as porcupine quill and bone jewellery. The store also showcases beautiful silver and gold carved jewellery designed by artisans from the Queen Charlotte, Haida, Tlinket, and Tahitan tribes.
Khot-La-Cha Coast Salish Handicrafts continues to grow and prosper at the hand of Nancy Nightingale, who was honored as the runner-up for the 1994 Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in the "Quality Plus" category. Her company currently ships masks, carvings and totem poles to countries in Europe, and to China, Japan, and the United States.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Nancy Nightingale
KHOT-LA-CHA Art Gallery & Gift Shop
270 Whonoak Street
North Vancouver,
British Columbia,
CANADA V7P 1P4
Tel.: (604) 987-3339
Fax: (604) 988-1930
Toll Free Number 1-866-987-3339
E-mail: khotlachaart@shaw.ca |
