Enhance your personal belongings with our latest vinyl stickers, showcasing vibrant and captivating designs from talented Indigenous artists. Perfect for expanding your collection, sharing with others, or adorning your car windows, water bottles, notebooks, and more, our stickers offer a beautiful way to express your appreciation for Indigenous artistry.
Made in Canada.
Whale Vinyl Sticker by Beau Dick
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:
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100% of the art featured on every Native Northwest product is designed by Indigenous artists
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All artists have provided consent and contractual permission for their art to be featured on Native Northwest products
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Artist names are acknowledged on all product packaging
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Cultural traditions are honoured by acknowledging cultural affiliation on product packaging
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Artists are paid in fees and royalties
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Beau Dick (1955-2017) was a significant Kwakwaka'wakw artist and hereditary Chief from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Heavily influenced by the traditional woodcarving of his father and grandfather from a young age, Dick developed a distinctive artistic style that honored his cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary and Western elements. His talent was recognized early, leading to an apprenticeship with Tony Hunt and further refinement under Doug Cranmer. Dick's artistry gained national and international acclaim, with his masks and carvings being featured in major exhibitions, including Expo 86, the reopening of Canada House in London, and the Biennale of Sydney.
Dick's artistic practice was deeply rooted in Kwakwaka'wakw aesthetics, with his masks intended for both ceremonial use and collection. He emphasized the importance of dance in activating these cultural objects, considering the interplay of light on his carvings as integral to their contemporary aesthetic. Beyond his art, Dick was an activist who used his cultural traditions to bring attention to important social and political issues. Notably, in 2013, he performed a copper-cutting ceremony at the BC Legislature to protest the abuse of Native treaties and the impact of fish farms. This powerful act, documented in the film "Maker of Monsters," highlighted Dick's commitment to justice and his role as a cultural leader.
Beau Dick's passing in 2017 was a significant loss to the art world and his community. His legacy as a celebrated artist, dedicated activist, and respected Chief endures through his powerful artwork and his courageous actions. His ability to bridge traditional Kwakwaka'wakw practices with contemporary artistic expression and his unwavering advocacy for Indigenous rights have left a lasting impact. A potlatch was held in Alert Bay to honor his memory, reflecting the deep respect and significance of his contributions.