The heart of our heritage

Welcome to the PNW Coast Salish art cultural insights. This is where we share the rich stories, profound traditions, and unique perspectives behind our authentic Canoe Lifestyle art and carvings. Explore the soul of our craft and connect with the heritage that inspires every piece.

In case you are unaware of our lifestyle this is the definition of The following terms 

Potlatch- a traditional party or event in wich songs, dances, meals as well as gifts are shared and exchanged 

Tribal Journeys - the annual gathering of canoe traveling Tribes from North America and the Pacific Islands, that is held in alternating Washington State and Vancouver BC tribal territories(Alaska 2027)

*I had the privilege of paddling in Marco Black's dugout canoe, Osh-Chuck-a-bick(Killer of two whales)to BellaBella BC in 2014. It was 24 days on the water 32 days away from home trip that changed my life forever. 

-18inch canoe rattle with exposed glass rattles. Cedar, abalone & acrylic 

-7 foot Skipper paddle I made in Nitinaht BC. I had the honor of being Skipper for the Nuuh-chah-nulth people for Tribal Journeys 2025- Paddle to Elwha. (The paint was still wet on the handle out first day in the canoe)

Morning fog traveling over the road Nea Bay, Washington state (where Dwayne picked me &James up to travel to Nitnaht)

-below James and Dewayne. We made a quick Hali trip on the way to Nihtnat to start our journey (Dwayne drove his fishing boat to his Hali Grounds, set his hooks, picked us up in NeaBay,the furthest North US port, then we fished his halibut gear on the way back up to Nihtnat) Paddle to Elwha - Tribal Journeys 2025

Bro Dwayne doing some Tribal Journeys fundraising, the old school way

We bagged em to!!!

Driving Dwayns fishing skiff into Nitnaht Lake(me and James's starting point that year). Tribal Journeys 2025

-Canoe repair I did for Tribal Journeys 2025 prep, (I ran another reinforcement arm on the Right side after pix)

Ahousaht Nation landing at Nihtnat lake. Each tribe starts from their home and paddles in their canoe(s) towards the final destination, stopping at neighboring tribes that are also traveling the same route. Eventually all joining up at the final landing destination. Tribal Journeys 2025-Paddle to Elwha

-Getting ready to paddle out the Nihtnat narrows (one canoe flipped on our way out)

- Pictured below. My beloved Nuuh-chah-nulth brothers and sisters paddling to Elwha- Tribal Journeys 2025

When traveling by canoe in neighboring tribe territory, we ask for permission before coming ashore as well as sing travel songs to make our intentions transparent. This is the canoe landing protocol.

There is also a Potlatch on land (singing, dancing, sharing meals and gifts) wich is more commonly referred to as "Protocol"

-Quileute tribe on the protocol floor (Quileute Chief Howishata in the cedar Fedora). Paddle to Elwha, Tribal Journeys 2025

It is traditional to display a gift before it is given, to show the pride and the quality of the gifted piece. 

Quinault Indian Nation on the protocol floor. Paddle to Elwha 2025

My Bro from N'chi-wanna-pum (big river people,Warm Springs Confederated tribes) Dewayne, helping guide his son in the Potlatch lifestyle 

-Singing some songs inspired by the majestic New Mexico desert. Traveling to Gathering of Nations 2017

-360° thunderbird design dance paddle. Cedar abalone and acrylic. Dyed fishing twine handle (traditionally artist incorporated readily available items and tools of their trade into their art)