The Owners
James Cowpar
Sk’aal Ts’iid (flicker bird)-James Douglas Cowpar, born and raised on Haida Gwaii, member of the Ts’aahl / Kayahl ‘laanas Clan, has worked in the tourism industry for over twenty-five years from ocean kayaking to sportfishing and cultural adventure tours sharing his culture with the world. Haida Owned and Operated, owner & operator of Haida Style Expeditions, an identical twin, both him and his brother enjoy sharing their stories and home-grown experience touring Gwaii Haanas and the West Coast of Haida Gwaii.
Shawn Cowpar
Kung X angajii (Moonshadow) - William Shawn Cowpar), is an avid outdoorsman and provider. Whether it is fishing or guiding tours around Haida Gwaii, he enjoy sharing his culture, experiences, and knowledge with others.
Operations Manager
My name is Leah Robinson, and I’ve been with Haida Style since January 2024. I am Haida and Ts’msyen. My mother is from the Yahgu Lanaas clan of the Haida Nation in Masset, B.C., and my father is from the Laxsgiik (Eagle) clan of the Gitga’at people from Txalgiuw (Hartley Bay). I was born and raised in Kxeen (Prince Rupert, B.C.), where I’m now raising my family.
I’ve always felt deeply connected to Haida Gwaii through my roots and the many opportunities I’ve had to explore the islands through work. I’ve experienced the wild beauty of the West Coast and the natural wonder of Gwaii Haanas National Park.
Now, I’m grateful to be in a position to share my love for Haida Gwaii with visitors from around the world, sharing our culture and traditions while learning together along the way.
Our Team of Local Guides & Captains
Our guides are all local to Haida Gwaii. Each brings a different set of skills and experiences to our tours, providing an authentic experience for our guests. Some have up to 15 years experience with recreational and commercial fishing, while others have served as Watchmen and tour guides throughout Gwaii Haanas. On all our tours, Haida Style Expeditions ensures safety and wilderness requirements are met, including: MED A1, A2, A3, Wilderness First Aid, Radio Operator, Small Vessel Certification.
Captains
Glynn MacLeod- K’aayd Tsuul
Captain
The legend, Glynn, has been with the team for over five years as a captain in Gwaii Haanas. Before joining us, he spent time kayak guiding, and these days he also fills his seasons with tree planting and carpentry. In 2023, Glynn was honoured to be adopted into the Kayahl ‘Laanas Clan and given his Haida name, K’aayd Tsuul.
Robert Russ- Gyahgujaang
Captain
Meet Robert, a great captain on the water with plenty of knowledge to share. He is the Hereditary Chief (Kilslaay) of the K’aadaas Gaa K’iigawaay clan from T’aanuu Llnagaay. When he is not on the water many of his days are spent helping the community as well as working for Coast Guard Marine Response.
Cultural Guides
BUILDING CAPACITY ONE STEP AT A TIME
Xiila-T’aayii Guujaaw
Cultural Guide
Xiila-T’aayii is a proud member of the Ḵayahl ‘Laanas Clan. Born and raised in Skidegate, she has spent her life exploring the lands and waters of her homelands. She began working with Haida Style Expeditions in 2018 as a junior guide and has since grown into her current role as lead guide. Xiila-T’aayii continues to learn Haida cultural knowledge and language from the elders in her communities. She is also pursuing a degree in Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, and guiding allows her to return home each summer to share what she has learned. She is excited for the upcoming season!
Rhonda Russ
Cultural Guide
Maya Cowpar-Mark
Cultural Guide & Marketing
Maya is Nisga’a, Gitxsan, Cree, and Haida from the Kayahl ‘Laanas Eagle Clan. Her passion for tourism and culinary arts led her to complete a Diploma in Tourism Marketing and Management at BCIT in 2023. Much of her knowledge comes from her elders and matriarchs, who have shared traditions, delicacies, and stories from both the Nisga’a and Haida. Over the past four years, Maya has taken on a greater role in the family business, whether in marketing, logistics, or guiding, and she hopes to continue contributing with a fresh perspective.
Carver Jones
Deckhand
Aaliyah Arens - Gwaay k’iiyanda
Cultural Guide
Gwaay K’iiyanda was born into the Eagle Clan of the Maaman Gitanee. She grew up in Masset and has deep roots in HlGaagilda. She currently resides on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation. She will be entering her final year at the University of British Columbia, pursuing a Major in First Nations and Indigenous Studies with a Minor in Political Science. Raised on Haida Gwaii, Gwaay K’iiyanda has spent her life learning about her culture and language.
Staff Gallery
