Gilakasla Indigenous Artist Journal Adam Lewis

Oscardo is a leading souvenir and gift supplier featuring some of Canada’s most iconic Indigenous artwork. Since 1997, Oscardo has been an industry leader, paying royalties to 24 artists for every product sold and consulting the artists during development to ensure a beautiful product that fairly represents and promotes their artwork. Known for carrying quality items featuring top designs, Oscardo’s products are found in Indigenous-owned stores and wholesalers, boutiques, museums, public and private art galleries, National Parks and government organizations in every province across the country. 

Indigenous Ownership: Oscardo is part of the Arctic Beverages family. Arctic Beverages is owned by Athabasca Basin Development, Prince Albert Development Corp and Paskwayak Business Development Corporation, collectively representing 13 First Nations and four northern communities.

Adam Lewis was born in 1982, and raised in the Cape Mudge Village (We Wai Kai) located on Quadra Island, BC. Being a member of the We Wai Kai Nation makes Adam Ligwilda’xw, which is the three southern most Kwakwaka’wakw Nations. “Ligwilda’xw” translates to “seaworm/unkillable thing”.

Growing up in Cape Mudge (We Wai Kai) Adam was enamoured by the museum directly across from his childhood home, spending hours admiring art (and playing hide and seek inside the 3 story building with other kids). Although Adam was surrounded by beautiful formline Indigenous art, his creativity led him to street art. Painting murals for over 25 years with aerosol paint, Adam developed his freehand skill set, unique colour combinations, and composition, while always dreaming of creating formline artworks.

In late 2021, Adam completely shifted focus towards learning his traditional art forms. Mainly self-taught, Adam continues his studies and creative journey, creating contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw art pieces. Art has been a true love and deep passion for Adam. Blessed to create daily, Adam foresees creating art as a lifelong journey.