B.C. First Nations Regions

Northwest Pacific Coast First Nations are considered to be six ethnographically distinct peoples: the Coast Salish, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth (or "Nootka"), the Kwak-Waka'wakw  (Kwagiutl), the Tsimshian, the Haida, and the Tlingit. The art carried in the Judy Hill Gallery represents all of these regions.

As a general overview, the Haida inhabited Haida Gwaii. On the west coast of Vancouver Island lived the Nuu-Chah-Nulth ("Nootka"), while the Kwak-Waka'wakw (Kwagiutl) inhabited the north region of Vancouver Island and the mainland directly opposite. The Salish occupied the delta of the Frasier River and some southern parts of Vancouver Island, and were distributed southward down the Washington coast; one of the groups of Salish people occupied territory to the north near Bella Coola River.

Coast Salish

The Coast Salish inhabited the coast of the mainland from Bute Inlet in B.C. to the Columbia River, dividing Washington and Oregon and those areas on Vancouver Island not occupied by other groups, from Johnstone Straight to Port San Juan. They also occupied vast areas of western Washington state.

Coast Salish artists were imaginative artists with an ancient woodworking tradition.

Nuu-Cha-Nuth

This region covers the western coastline of Vancouver Island. The art of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth has a flowing flexible look and is a distinctive art that is moving in new directions while keeping strongly in touch with its past.

Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwagiutl)

This region covers the northeastern coastal tip of Vancouver Island and the British Columbia coastline somewhat north of Vancouver past but not including Bella Coola. Kwak-Waka'wakw carvings tend to have a strong, bold look with deep cut areas. Face masks are robust with features emphasized by painting.

Tsimshain (‘Ksan)

The Skeena River and the Nass River frame this region on the British Columbia coast. Described as the 'Ksan style, the Tsimshain are known for their exceptionally fine silk-screening and use of traditional elements.

Tlingit

The Tlingit are indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, living on the islands and coastal lands of southern Alaska from Yakutat Bay to Cape Fox. Tlingit artists are known for basket weaving, totem poles, and exceptional Chilkat robes.