Bear Postcard by Charles Silverfox

NATIVE NORTHWEST ART BY INDIGENOUS ARTISTS

Statement of Respect and Authenticity

We believe that Indigenous artists should be treated fairly and with respect. Authenticity of art, design, and culture is the foundation of our mission of building everyday connection to Indigenous cultures.

Native Northwest products are guided by the following five principles:

• 100% of the art featured on every Native Northwest product is designed by Indigenous artists

• All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products

• Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging

• Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging

• Artists are paid in fees and royalties

Charles Yaklin, also known by his Tlingit name Silverfox, is a Canadian Tlingit/Northern Tutchone artist from Whitehorse, Yukon. Born into the Kwanlin Dun First Nation, his artistic journey was influenced by his older brother, renowned artist and jeweller Mark Preston.

Yaklin is best known for his unique pen-and-ink artwork, which often employs a technique called pointillism, where images are created using countless tiny dots. His work beautifully blends realistic depictions of nature with traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous formline design, reflecting his deep connection to his culture and the natural world. In his own words, "Art connects me with my family, our culture, and our traditions."

After being part of the '60s Scoop and adopted by a German/Irish family, Yaklin left home at the age of 14 and has been living and working in British Columbia since 1980. Over the years, he has developed a distinctive style that combines his self-taught skills with his cultural heritage. His art can be found in various collections and he has also created a colouring book titled These Are The Animals The First People Know.