BC FIRST NATIONS NATIVE ART GALLERY

Northwestern British Columbia is home to several distinct Aboriginal cultures, each with our own unique history and artistic traditions. The inter-relationship between humans and the natural world is a prevalent theme in our stories and legends, and is often expressed in the highly refined art forms of our people.

The coastal BC First Nations, including the Squamish Nation, have always been blessed with a rich environment that provided a mild climate, plentiful food and spectacular scenery. Cedar has always been considered sacred because the cedar tree provided shelter, transportation, clothing, tools - and the most prevalent medium for artistic expression. Artistry has always been widespread, and in the past almost everything was artistically rendered. Canoes were carved or painted, welcome figures adorned the front of houses, and totem poles commemorated great occasions and celebrated family status. Today, our people are still known for their creativity and our artists are becoming well known throughout the world.

Elaborately carved totem poles, plaques, sterling silver and gold jewelry, masks, bowls, talking sticks, rattles, as well as finely woven shirts and blankets, are replete with symbols and designs that represent the myth, stories, and histories of our people who create and use them. Prevalent northwest coast figures include Thunderbird, Raven, Whale, Bear, Eagle, Salmon, Hawk, Moon, Sea Serpent, Frog, Wolf and Loon, each of which personify spiritual attributes.

Further inland, our Lil'wat Nation has always lived close to the mountains and traditionally relied more heavily on large animals, such as elk, deer, mountain goat, and bear for food and clothing. We are known for our cedar basket weaving, which has continued to thrive throughout the ages. In the past, carvings were more prevalent in daily life than they are today. Wooden grave markers were carved in the likeness of the deceased, and tools such as fishing net floats were also carved. Today, carving is being revived and our artists are developing designs that represent Lil'wat culture.

The gallery will showcase the unique styles of Squamish and Lil'wat artists, as well as those of other BC First Nations. Throughout the millennia these respected artists have transformed even the simplest objects from everyday life into objects of beauty.