Collection: Ha̲mdzat̓si Collective

John A. Sharkey (Coast Salish), Charles Jules (Nuu-chah-nulth), and Hereditary Chief Shawn Decaire (Kwakwaka’wakw) live on unceded Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ Territories (North Vancouver Island) and work collaboratively as members of the Ha̲mdzat̓si Collective. Inspired by Kwakwaka’wakw design, their recent exhibition at Open Studio consisted of large-scale, hand-printed representations of the sisiyutł and other mythological creatures from the Pacific Northwest Coast, and audio recordings honouring the region’s storytelling traditions.

The Ha̲mdzat̓si Collective was born from the Art Hive, a community program at the Campbell River Art Gallery that supports members of the unhoused community to make art in a safe environment. The result has been incredible, uplifting artists and creating a strong sense of family and mutual respect. Ha̲mdzat̓si, a Kwak’wala word for beehive, exemplifies the way each member contributes to the success of the entire community, through the master and apprenticeship tradition.