Who we are Gilakas'la (greetings). Our roots are in the rich traditions of the 'Namgis people of the west coast of Canada. Culture Shock Gallery is 100% aboriginal, owned and operated by Andrea, Barb, and Donna Cranmer of Alert Bay BC.  Namnasolaga (Andrea Cranmer) designs our Elements of Style clothing and accessories. Andrea incorporates Northwest coast design elements including eagle wings, healing hands, and the unique traditional "split-U" forms.  In the community, she teaches the Kwak'wala language and culture through songs, dance and stories. Andrea's knowledge of traditional protocol and her experience of conducting potlatches, cultural events and talent of legend and storytelling present insight into the 'Namgis culture. Andrea is also a cultural educator for youth and adults and Psychology of Vision Advanced Trainer. Andrea also coordinates the T'sasala Cultural Group which works to keep the culture alive. Experience centuries old traditional dances and songs with the Cultural Group in the Big House in Alert Bay. Lakwalogwa (Barb Cranmer) creates Ocean Jewels, our line of jewellery fashioned from mother of pearl, abalone shell and glass beads. Barb is also an award-winning writer, director and documentary producer. Drop by the gallery to watch: I'tusto: "To Rise Again" chronicles the re-building of the ceremonial Bighouse in Alert Bay. Barb focuses on the ongoing cultural significance of bighouses to the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. T'lina: "The Rendering of Wealth" documents the traditional eulachon (or "oolichan") fishery on the British Columbia coast and its cultural and economic significance to the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples. Qatuwas: "People Gathering Together", show cases the rebirth of the Northwest Coast canoe culture. Gwishalaayt: "The Spirit Wraps Around" featuring the art form of Chilkat weaving told by six First Nations weavers from coastal British Columbia, Alaska and the Yukon. Laxwesa Wa: "Strength of the River" documents the native fishery on the British Columbia Coast. Nalaga (Donna Cranmer) was given the gift of working with her hands.  Learning the art of her grandmothers, Donna carries on the tradition of gathering, preparing, and weaving cedar into traditional regalia and baskets, and into contemporary wearable cedar fashions.