Our Objective

The objective of the Bill Reid Centre for Northwest Coast Art Studies is to promote an understanding of the history and the principles of Northwest Coast Indigenous art through new research and connoisseurship. We also seek to promote the application of these traditions to contemporary art and design in British Columbia, with special reference to the interests of indigenous peoples.

The Centre's Objectives:

• Establish a globally accessible learning centre for the study of Northwest Coast art at Simon Fraser University


• Promote an appreciation and understanding of the artistic traditions, cultures, and histories of the Nations who first inhabited the Northwest Coast

• Inspire the development of contemporary First Nations’ artistic expression by increasing access to visual resources

• Engage First Nations people, students, scholars, artists and others to explore these unique artistic traditions
  

The premise of this website is the refinement and sharing of knowledge about these remarkable communities and their arts and the recognition of the cultural achievements underlying them. It is our hope that the content we post will aid in the development and education of new generations both inside and beyond those communities that have survived the past two hundred years of cultural trauma.

As such, the historic and contemporary material the Centre presents should be seen as a starting point for an ongoing dialogue. We recognize that there are various interpretations of the works and events that are portrayed on this site and we endeavor to present as robust a body of knowledge as possible. We cannot do this without your participation. We therefore encourage those with differing or divergent perspectives and interpretations to contact us here or on Facebook.