One of the last provinces in Canada to be settled by European explorers, British Columbia is home to total of twenty-seven distinct First Nations with more than two-hundred communities with eight different language groups throughout British Columbia and Vancouver Island(1).
The Indigenous people of British Columbia have world acclaim for some distinct craft/designs like the revival of Coast Salish weaving and the famed Cowichan wool knitted sweaters, vests, hats and slippers. In addition, many of the First Nations throughout the province are skilled cedar bark weavers of baskets, hats, purses, roses and jewelry.
As mentioned in the visual arts section, carving is an ancestral skill in that showcases diverse BC based Indigenous talents in the forms of masks, bowls, plates, plaques and even dug-out canoes. Cedar plays a central role in many of the Indigenous groups in the province.
More modern crafts include the use of stained etched glass techniques on wine glasses and other household dishes. Silk screening and embroidery are also common ways to showcase the distinguished west coast artistic styles to mass produce t-shirts, cloth bags, aprons, scarves, jacket logo’s and towel sets.
There is a constant increase in modern mediums being used to create a fusion of culture and style that convey the timeless art of BC’s Indigenous artists.
This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.
1) http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/map.htm