Spirit Works
Unit 4-1500 Railway street V7J 1B5 North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Great opportunity to carve a piece of history.

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words about this so very meaningful piece. The end of a long road beginning two years ago. The Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw people asked us to create something beautiful; an art piece to depict their history and their culture. Something able to pass on stories and teachings for generations to come. It was also meant to be the centerpiece of their new Kwa’lilas Hotel so needed to be eye-catching. In the years since beginning the project we sp...ent many hours interviewing elders and cultural keepers, collecting stories, going through old photographs and film, reading many historical books, and visiting old village sites throughout the territories. Once we felt we had enough of a grasp, as guided by our advisory council made up of elders and respected community members, we began to write, not on paper but in copper. This piece was the result. Although it is not up to us to tell the stories (and there are many) we would like to acknowledge the incredible courage of Gwa'sala and 'Nakwaxda'xw ancestors that made them possible. We would like to thank our advisory council (Lily Johnny, Gertie Walkus, Cathy Walkus, the late and incredible Betty Walkus, Richard George, Mary Henderson, and many others who offered their time and advice). We would like to thank artists John Henderson, Morris Johnny, Wayne Walkus, and Walter Brown for their wonderful collaboration with us on the thunderbird. Special thanks to Willie Seaweed for his art and his spirit which will guide many for generations. As always we acknowledge our staff at Spirit Works who worked so hard on this piece. These staff included our own Julie Peters, and a cameo by Crystal Henderson, both descendants of ancestors depicted in the piece. Thank you Conrad Browne for your vision and drive bringing the hotel together. Lastly Davis Henderson, you are our rock (and you Rock!!). Your huge heart and love for your people has inspired us all and made this project possible. Thank you thank you thank you. Shain Jackson, President, Spirit Works Limited See more

Check out this amazing exhibit which features the work of the following artists: Deb Sparrow (Musqueam) Donna Cranmer (‘Namgis) May Sam (Elder) (Tsawout) Una Ann (Tahltan/Tlingit)... Jordana Luggi (Metis) Joan Glendale (Danaxda’xw) Arlene Ness (Gitxsan) Mia Hunt (Heiltsuk) Lou-ann Neel (Kwagiulth) Charlene George (T’Sou-ke) Debbie Hunt (Kwagiulth) See more

Spirit Works now creating Vases out of our beautiful and sacred Cedar. This one is adorned with the work of the fabulous and amazing Corrine Hunt.

Spirit Works is looking for someone Indigenous to work in the shop/studio making Indigenous art product. Located under the Iron Worker's Memorial Bridge on the North Shore. No experience necessary but person ideally should: - Be driven (high paced environment); - Be Honest; - Have common sense and basic math skills;... - Want to perhaps take up a trade; Would suit a young person in late teens/early twenties. We prefer Squamish members as this is our host community. Must have some good references. This is a safe, respectful, family-like environment. $14/hr (more depending on experience) Please message me on FB or email [email protected]. Please no messages on behalf of someone else. Thank you, /shain jackson

Check out this amazing exhibit which features the work of the following artists: Deb Sparrow (Musqueam) Donna Cranmer (‘Namgis) May Sam (Elder) (Tsawout) Una Ann (Tahltan/Tlingit)... Jordana Luggi (Metis) Joan Glendale (Danaxda’xw) Arlene Ness (Gitxsan) Mia Hunt (Heiltsuk) Lou-ann Neel (Kwagiulth) Charlene George (T’Sou-ke) Debbie Hunt (Kwagiulth) See more

Spirit Works now creating Vases out of our beautiful and sacred Cedar. This one is adorned with the work of the fabulous and amazing Corrine Hunt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztiH0ovxMIU

Won another Aboriginal Business Award! http://www.bcachievement.com/media/news.php?id=125

Another mini longhouse to be used for teaching our little ones. This one up at Totem Hall in Squamish. Top quality Cedar structure with custom artwork. A Spirit Works specialty!

Our "Pulling Together" piece was officially unveiled with Totem Poles this last Monday. Great event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or4DxAcU2co

We are proud to invite participation in Testify - a project of the Indigenous Laws and the Arts Collective: Testify will create an opportunity for dialogue between artists and legal theorists about Indigenous laws. The project is open to a wide range of possibilities to explore these themes including: Indigenous laws about lands and territory; social and environmental justice; Impact of the imposition (or denial) of borders and boundaries on Indigenous laws; Denial of I...ndigenous laws and the criminalization and marginalization of Indigenous Peoples; Transformations through and in Indigenous laws; Opportunities for a relationship or interaction between Canadian and Indigenous laws; or Dreaming a way forward through the dynamic expression of Indigenous laws in broader society. We will curate pairings of artists with legal thinkers, and pairs will work together to explore themes. We welcome multiple genres: photography, sculpture, painting, playwriting, dance, film, multi-media, digital media, song. Opportunities for both established and emerging artists and legal thinkers. Deadline for applications extended to: June 25, 2015. Applications available by emailing: [email protected] or application is also posted on the Facebook page of Cedar and Sage Law, and attached to this email.

A very meaningful visit. My auntie Mable and uncle Lawrence brought me the knife my Granny Mary Jackson used to prepare the roots she weaved her baskets from. A...s well the bowl she would soak the roots and bark in. These items speak to the nature of the work she did. Of limited means She'd use what she had to create pure beauty. Then take pretty much every dime from the sales to support the many children in the community that depended on her. See more

Spirit Works designed and produced these novel awards for the recent Gathering Wisdom conference. Congratulations to the recipients!

We are looking for a Moccasin maker. If anyone can help please post contact info. Thanks so much.

Money to spend? Please consider Spirit Works for speakers gifts, client gifts, awards, or giveaways. Indigenous art products made by Indigenous people. We are well established, have excellent customer service, and are able to do quick turn-arounds. 6049820024.

With Lou-ann Ika'wega Neel at the Authentic Indigenous Booth in the Vancouver Gift Show. Working To protect the rights of Indigenous Artists in BC galleries. Ensuring artists are fairly compensated for their work and that they maintain control over it.