Born and raised in the Kootenays, Leslie Drew has worked as a reporter and editor for numerous publications. Her books include Argillite: Art of the Haida (1980) and Haida: Their Art and Culture (1982).

Argillite: Art of the Haida (Hancock House, 1980) focuses on the argillite carvings of the Haida, and their history in relation to them. These carvings were used to trade with the Europeans and often didn't depict spiritually significant symbols since they were created for economic means, however contemporary carvings often show more traditional Haida forms.

The Haida inhabit Haida Gwaii, as islanders their culture was kept in relative isolation from other tribes which allowed it to develop a distinct art style and culture. Haida: Their Art and Culture (Hancock House, 1982) gives an overview of their history, culture and art.


BOOKS:

Drew, Leslie. Argillite: Art of the Haida (Hancock House, 1980).
Drew, Leslie. Haida: Their Art and Culture (Hancock House, 1982).

[BCBW 2003] "QCI" "Anthropology" "First Nations" "Art"