Native Regions of the Pacific Northwest

Northwest Coast natives are considered six ethnographically distinct peoples, the Coast Salish, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth (or "Nootka"), the Kwak-Waka'wakw  (Kwagiutl), the Tsimshian, the Haida and the Tlinglit. The art carried in the Judy Hill Gallery represents all of these regions with the exception of the Tlinglit.

As a general overview, the Haida inhabited the Queen Charlotte Islands. 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 British Columbia to the Columbia River, dividing Washington and Oregon and those areas on Vancouver Island not occupied by the Kwak-Waka'wakw (Kwaguitl) and the Nuu-Chah-Nulth ("Nootka"), 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. Coast Salish artists represented in the gallery are:

Nuu-Cha-Nuth ("Nootka")

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. Nuu-Chah-Nulth artists represented in the gallery are:

Kwak-Waka'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. Kwak-Waka'wakw artists represented in the gallery are:

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. Tsimshain artists represented in this gallery are:

Haida

This region is centered on the Queen Charlotte Islands in northern British Columbia. The art is best known of the cultural styles and its bold, uncluttered look has become a standard. Haida artists represented in the gallery are: