Artist/Carver
DOUG (BEAR) HORNE
Doug (Bear) Horne is son of master carver Doug Lafortune from Tsawout First Nation and Kathleen Horne from Pacheedaht First Nation.Doug has grown up in the Tsawout community, and since early childhood has been immersed in Coast Salish art, learning from his father, uncles and other family members who have generously shared their knowledge and expertise with him.
Doug has dedicated over 25 years to creating Coast Salish art, and has worked in various art forms including carved house posts, poles, sculptures, masks, paddles, panels and jewellery, and has also created countless graphic designs.
Doug’s passion for Coast Salish art shines through the carved and sculpted artwork he creates. His unique, and beautiful carved works of art can be found around the globe. Some notable commissions include a carved podium for Camosun College, as well as designing the conference table for Camosun Innovates.
Artist
Angela Kimble
Angela was born in Cowichan, daughter of Doug LaFortune Salish artist. Raised in the Salish art world painting her fathers totem poles and designs, inspired her to create her own designs. Embracing the talent drawing, painting and creating in a feminine contemporary style.

Artist
Margaret August
Is a Two-Spirited, Coast Salish artist from Shíshálh First Nation. Margaret was born in 1983 in the traditional unceded Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories (Victoria, BC). She grew up in the urban setting and has a strong connection in the community of the Lekwungen territory to which she has been able to build her skills in art. Margaret originally began developing her artistic talents through singing and playing music at an early age. She carried on with her visual art practice as she became an adult. Some of her artistic influences include renowned artists such as Susan Point, LessLIE, Mark Preston, and Butch Dick. Margaret has been showing her work in group art shows since 2010, and taking the time necessary to grow as an artist in developing her unique style as well as her business skills.
In 2017, Margaret started working with further training under the guidance and mentorship of fellow Coast Salish Artist, Mark Gauti and Dylan Thomas to integrate her current work with the Emerging Artist grant, a one year project that she received through First People’s Cultural Council. This project has lead to making serigraph prints and making custom works by telling stories through art. Margaret is committed to her art practice as she believes it is her life’s purpose.
Artist
Patrick Wilson
Patrick Wilson (born 1977) is a Coast Salish artist from Koksilah, BC. He started off knitting Cowichan Sweaters with his parents Felix & Martina. His interest in native art started at age 14. He attended carving lessons with late master Simon Charlie. Simon said “If you run out of ideas go take a walk in the woods, and you’ll find inspiration”. Whenever he hits a blockade he takes it back to nature for ideas. Relative Joe Wilson is also a great influence & inspiration to Patrick. He’s done paintings, murals, plaques, logos, carvings, and clothing.

Master Artist/Carver
doug lafortune
After attending school in Victoria, Doug completed a college course in Fine Arts. Shortly after, he worked in the logging industry on Vancouver Island for several years. A visit to Simon Charlie at his workshop in Koksilah, BC rekindled a desire to pursue the arts. Doug studied under Simon and broadened his range of work in the Coast Salish style.
Some of Doug's top artistic accomplishments include a Salish Welcome Figure, presented to Queen Elizabeth at the Opening Ceremonies of the XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, as well as a commission to paint a Thunderbird and Killerwhale Dance Screen backdrop to be used at the Lauwelnew Tribal School Cultural Village.
In 2004, Doug - in collaboration with Charles Elliott - carved two 30-foot totem poles for Buchart Gardens' 100th anniversary celebration.
Artist
Philip Joe
Phillip Joe is a self-taught Coast Salish artist from Duncan, BC, Canada. His work blends the traditional with a more contemporary style to create a unique beauty of his own. In encounters with the boundaries of Northwest Coast Salish art world, Phillip works on the outer limits of design and technique in a very personal way. Phillip’s commitment to his artwork has been unwavering.
Master Artist/Carver
SXWASET JOSEPH M. WILSON
Joe Wilson was born in 1967 into the Cowichan Tribes Native Band and was raised in Duncan, British Columbia, Canada. His interest in art began in elementary school and when he was in grade 12 he made his own silkscreen print editions.
Joe first began selling his carvings at age 17 at a local Koksilah store. Since 1984 his work has reflected his search for his own cultural identity in Coast Salish art. His colours are bold and unconventional, yet extremely appealing and rich. His work is not only authentic by native tradition, it is also an artistic communication link between cultures.
Joe's talent continue to bring him the recognition that is reserved for outstanding artists.
Master ARTIST
lessLIE
lessLIE, or Leslie Robert Sam, (born 1973) is a Coast Salish artist from Duncan, BC. This highly talented and original artist works in multi-media, but particularly enjoys dealing with serigraphs. lessLIE holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations studies from Malaspina University-College and continued his academic career at the University of Victoria in Interdisciplinary Studies.
While working on his undergraduate degree in 1995 lessLIE began studying Coast Salish art and continued doing so during his graduate studies at the University of Victoria. The artist draws on traditional iconographic elements, while inventively intertwining his art with contemporary texts.