Everyday Presence and Confusion: Northwest Coast art is woven into daily life in Vancouver, but the public often can’t tell authentic Indigenous works from “Native-inspired” imitations made by non-Indigenous designers.

Colonial Legacy and Market Shifts: Potlatch bans and genocide once suppressed Indigenous cultural expression. Now non-Indigenous marketers in the 20th century have commodified Indigenous motifs as symbols of British Columbia, largely without consent.

Economic Inequity and Cultural Theft: The Aboriginal-themed art market generates millions, yet only a small fraction benefits Indigenous creators.  Non-Indigenous profit from their imagery is an extension of colonial dispossession.

Indigenous-Led Countermovements: Projects and advocacy efforts aim to expose appropriation, educate consumers, and promote buying directly from Indigenous artists.

Authenticity and Certification: The Authentic Indigenous Arts Resurgence Campaign in B.C. certifies works created or fairly licensed by Indigenous artists, helping consumers distinguish genuine Northwest Coast art from “Northwest Coast-style” imitations and encouraging ethical industry standards.