“Before anything else, my work is about honouring my life process, my journey through my fires, from places of pain and darkness to places where I might stand in my truth; my work is not a career, it's a way of life.”
– Francis Dick, Kwakwaka’wakw
Francis Dick, a contemporary Native artist and member of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation, was born in 1959 in ‘Yalis (Alert Bay) into the Musga’makw Dzawada’enuxw Band of Kingcome Inlet. A descendant of the legendary Kawadelakala (Supernatural Wolf), who shed his animal form to become the first of the Kingcome people, Francis is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and adept in Dzawada'enuxw art style.
Her work, whether visual, lyrical, or verbal, is strongly influenced by her heritage, with early pieces reflecting the Kawadelekala legend of her family. Over time, Francis expanded her artistic focus beyond her culture, while her traditions continue to shape her creations.
For Francis, art is not merely an expression—it is a deeply meaningful journey. She constructs her work from the visions she dreams up, finding strength and meaning through the act of creation. A respected voice within Canada’s Native art community, Francis has shared her story and insights with various organizations, women’s groups, and university classes.
Today, Francis’s art is internationally renowned, with her work exhibited across North America, Asia, and Europe. Her story has resonated in universities worldwide, and she continues to live in Victoria, B.C., where her creativity remains a vital part of her life’s journey.
