Gwishalaayt – the spirit wraps around you (2001)

While Northwest Coast indigenous art like carved masks is widely celebrated, the traditional Chilkat or Northern Geometric weaving remains largely unknown. This ancient art form is practiced by only 15 weavers today. Award-winning filmmaker Barb Cranmer and producer Cari Green journey to Alert Bay, British Columbia, the Yukon, and Alaska to document six of these weavers. "Gwishalaayt," meaning "the spirit wraps around you," follows these weavers and showcases their regalia within its cultural context at ceremonies. The weavers share their knowledge and personal experiences with this way of life, while also addressing past misconceptions about their art.