Thunderbird (Power) Pocket Spirit by lessLIE

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

lessLIE: A Contemporary Voice in Coast Salish Art

lessLIE, born Leslie Robert Sam in 1973 in Duncan, British Columbia, is a distinguished contemporary Coast Salish artist. His heritage is rich, encompassing Cowichan, Penelakut, Esquimalt Nations, as well as Irish, Italian, and French ancestry. lessLIE adopted his artist name as a poignant reference to the historical deceptions and betrayals faced by First Nations peoples due to colonization.

His artistic journey began in 1995 while he was pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from Malaspina University-College (now Vancouver Island University). During this period, he immersed himself in the study of Coast Salish art, drawing inspiration and encouragement from his cousin, Joe Wilson, a prolific Coast Salish artist. lessLIE's work is characterized by a profound adherence to traditional Coast Salish art forms and mythology, even as he infuses it with contemporary graphic designs and often employs wordplay in his titles to reveal deeper meanings.

lessLIE's dedication to his craft is evident in his continued academic and artistic pursuits. He has pursued a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Victoria, with a focus on Coast Salish art, and has also worked at the Thunderbird Park Carving Studio. His primary artistic influences include respected artists such as Susan Point, Robert Davidson, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.

His innovative approach has led to numerous solo and group exhibitions both within Canada and internationally, including significant showcases at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, the Two Rivers Gallery, and in London, UK. lessLIE's powerful art, often addressing themes of environment, dispossession, and race, can be found in prominent collections worldwide, including the University of Victoria Art Collections, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and the Westfälisches Museum für Naturkunde in Germany. Through his art, lessLIE not only celebrates his heritage but also challenges historical narratives, embodying a significant voice in the contemporary Indigenous art movement.