17 - Ensure You Buy Authentic Indigenous Art

History & Culture21 Things2022
Written By C H S

This series of blog posts is inspired by the list 21 Things You Can Do to Change the World created by Bob Joseph in his book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act. Focusing on actionable steps, these blog posts will take each step and provide links, contacts, and suggestion lists.

Scroll through our recent 21 Things posts here.

 The next action we are highlighting is: Ensure you buy authentic Indigenous art.

By exploring, learning about, and purchasing authentic Indigenous art, you can help to honour these artists in their craft; help them to share their artistic vision and culture authentically; and support a thriving livelihood for indigenous artists.

Understanding and appreciating Indigenous made artwork, as well as becoming familiar with its wide variety of styles is important when purchasing Indigenous artwork. You can start your search to learn more about the various styles and history of Indigenous art in British Columbia here: Northwest Coast Indigenous Art | The Canadian Encyclopedia

Ensuring that you support real Indigenous artists, and not those who are ‘inspired’ by their culture is critically important. These guides can help you in making choices that support Indigenous artists.

Here are a few databases that you can search through to discover Indigenous artists and galleries all over British Columbia.

Here is just a small sample of some Indigenous artists that operate in Canada. Take some time to read about them on their own websites. This list is not exhaustive, there are many more indigenous artists, you can search for them with the above links.

  • Mike Dangeli grew up in his people’s traditional territory in Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia.   Based in Chilliwack, he creates masks, rattles, paddles, boxes, drums, regalia, prints, and totem poles. 
    Mike’s work reflects his Nisga’a, Tlingit, Tsetsaut, and Tsimshian Nations’ heritage and takes him up and down the Coast of BC and Alaska. He and his wife Mique’l Dangeli also lead the renowned Northwest Coast First Nations mask-dancing group Githayetsk, based in Vancouver & Terrace BC. Explore his art and life through his  Facebook   and instagram.

  • Lisa Walker creates beautiful, beaded jewelry as she navigates her own colonial trauma, you can find her work on her website, and her social media. lisa.beading – lisa beading

  • Jaimie Davis operates Jada Creations. She is an award-winning indigenous artist with a wide variety of art for sale and on display You can find her art and story on her website. Indigenous art & jewelry (shopjada.com)

  • The Wikkaninnish Gallery is Located on Granville Island in Vancouver. This Indigenous owned gallery offers a wide variety of Indigenous art from an equally diverse group of artists, with options for many budgets. You can visit the gallery online as well.  Wickaninnish Gallery

  • Adele maska iskwew Arsenau is a Nehiyaw Metis artist based in North Vancouver who seeks to bring out their culture through art. More information, as well as art for purchase can be found online. Home page - Adele maskwa iskwew Arseneau, Nehiyaw Metis Artist (aarseneau.com)

  • Jamie Gentry is an Indigenous artist in Sooke, on Vancouver Island. She creates custom moccasins personalized for the buyer. More information can be found on her website. Jamie Gentry Designs

  • Bearclaw Jewelry operates out of Port Hardy, British Columbia. Started in 1987 by Marlene, a Chipewyan who wanted to bring her art and culture to the West Coast. They create one-of-a-kind pieces, available for purchase on their website. Bearclaw Custom Native Jewelry - rings, pendants, earrings bracelets (bearclawjewelry.com)

  • Sandi Roy is a member of the Beausoleil First Nations (Ojibway) of Ontario. She is now based out of Mission, British Columbia. She sells a wide variety of dream catchers and jewelry for any occasion. More information about Sandi and her art can be found online. Shop Dream Catchers

 If you would like to visit and admire indigenous art in a physical setting, you may be interested in these galleries located in British Columbia. Some offer pieces for sale, as well as events and workshops.

  • The Bill Reid Gallery was named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920 – 1998) who was a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster and spokesman. The Vancouver gallery is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Collection and special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast of North America. It is Canada's only public gallery dedicated to contemporary Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast.  Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

  • The Roy Henry Vickers Gallery is located in Tofino, British Columbia. The gallery houses the work of indigenous artist Roy Henry Vickers. The gallery is free to visit, as well as offering some pieces for sale. More information can be found on their website. Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

  • The Eagle Sprit Gallery is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. This gallery features a range of Northwest Coast Native and Inuit art. Some pieces from the gallery are displayed the world over. Viewings are by booking only, more information can be found online. Home - Eagle Spirit Gallery

  • The Skwachays Hotel in Vancouver is a hotel and gallery that features Indigenous art. As well, the hotel houses artists that struggle to find accommodation elsewhere. The hotel often hosts workshops and events, they also have art for sale. Information on viewing the gallery or staying in one of the hotel’s rooms is available online. Skwachàys Lodge – Skwachàys Lodge – Unique Aboriginal Experience (skwachays.com)

 These blog posts are designed to be a starting point to help people throughout our community of Coquitlam toward the path of reconciliation and allyship. We encourage everyone to do their own reading and research. Want to learn more? Check out the Indigenous Relations Academy, which has books, training, and resources. You can also purchase 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act here.

C H S
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