Orca Bath Toy by Chris Kewistep

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

Chris Kewistep is a talented Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) artist and designer from the central coast of British Columbia. Born into a long lineage of Northwest Coast artists, Kewistep is primarily guided by the mentorship and traditional teachings of his father, the renowned Heiltsuk artist Ben Houstie.

Kewistep’s work is characterized by a commitment to honouring his family’s artistic legacy while making Indigenous art accessible and engaging for younger generations. His contributions to the field include:

• Design & Illustration: He is known for his clean, vibrant formline designs that represent traditional Life Crest symbols. His work often features iconic West Coast imagery such as the Orca, Eagle, and Raven.

• Educational Outreach: A significant portion of his portfolio is dedicated to educational resources. He has gained recognition for designing interactive items like puppets (notably "Splash the Orca" and "Bizzy the Beaver"), puzzles, and children’s books used in school curricula to introduce Indigenous culture to students.

• Contemporary Media: Beyond traditional painting, Kewistep applies his designs to a wide range of media, including jewellery, apparel, and home goods. His collaborations with organisations like Native Northwest have brought his authentic Heiltsuk designs to a global audience through functional everyday objects.

Grounded in the values of respect and cultural integrity, Kewistep continues to be a vital voice in contemporary Northwest Coast art, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern creative expression.