The work of our artists-in-residence combines tradition and innovation. Through this program, they share valuable insights into Indigenous arts practices with students, educators, and beyond.

Supported by George and Christiane Smyth’s Salish Weave Fund at the Victoria Foundation, this initiative emphasizes reciprocity, relationship building, and cultural preservation. The Salish Weave Circle that represents the Smyths’ fund, celebrates Coast Salish artistry and the interconnectedness of all participants -- bridging past, present, and future in a shared learning experience.

Project Funders: 

We are grateful to the following donors for their ongoing support: 

• George and Christiane Smyth through their Salish Weave Fund held at the Victoria Foundation 
• Ministry of Education 
• SFU Faculty of Education 
• Faculty of Education Dean’s Office 

Following 12 years as Community Development Director at Tsleil-Waututh Nation, Angela is now the Executive Director for the Éyameth’ Health Care Centre, a First Nations-led Primary Health Care Clinic in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia. She has an extensive background in First Nations social and community development, cultural revival, education and health planning, program development and implementation.

This Coast Salish weaver continues to dedicate her career to the betterment of First Nations people and communities. Traditionally groomed, she has a strong understanding of her culture and spiritual teachings and the impacts of colonization and barriers that plague First Nations communities. She has a strong passion for traditional canoe racing, weaving and cultural singing and dancing and believes that reviving and practicing traditions and having a strong sense of identity and connection to our ancestors is vital to community wellness, development, and sustainability.

Angela is humbled by the gift of traditional weaving—she holds this connection to her late mother of Sḵwxwú7mesh ancestry, and Sts’ailes and Coast Salish connections dearly and carries the gift of weaving with integrity and responsibility to share in a way that helps to create awareness, stewardship and harmony within our communities. Angela continues to uphold her role as a weaving teacher and mentor and is now Weaving Wellness, championing the Éyameth’ Health Care Centre initiative to transform health by weaving together the best of traditional and western health and wellness methods.

Much of his time has been spent making tools for traditional pursuits, or creating his own work in metal, stone, wood, or graphic design.

He currently works part time at Langara College Fine Arts as an instructor teaching Indigenous Woodcarving, at Emily Carr University teaching metalsmithing, and at a residency at Simon Fraser University creating Coast Salish weaving tools.

He is often known as "Splash," a name he earned on several Tribal Journeys canoe trips along the coast surrounding the Salish Sea.

Respectful Engagement with Indigenous Artist:

• Eve Tuck provides valuable insights into Questions, offering an opportunity to educate people about how harmful questions can be; a couple questions you can ask in your head before you ask your question aloud; opportunity to pause
• Indigenous Art Practices – Professional Development series by SFU Library
• Vancouver Art Gallery: Rooted Here: Woven from the Land (Dec 16, 2023 – May 12, 2024)

Residential School Survivors Support

• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society is available at 1-800-721-0066, along with a 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-925-4419 for those who need immediate support.
• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides an Indigenous-specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's toll-free and can be reached at 1-800-588-8717.
• The First Nations Health Authority offers support specifically for survivors and families who have been directly impacted by the Indian residential school system.
• Métis Nation BC – Mental Health Services