From intricate beadwork to bold modern paintings, Indigenous fine artists create masterpieces that are as remarkable in skill as they are diverse.
You can find traditional art in galleries, private studios, websites, events, and markets across Canada. These pieces are created with ancient methods that have survived the passage of time, as well as the horrors of colonialism.
Some innovative Indigenous artists produce contemporary art that combines traditional methods and practices with each artist’s unique vision. Traditional or contemporary, rest assured, you’ll go home with one-of-a-kind pieces that represent a rich cultural past, rooted in both tradition and resilience.
Buying Indigenous art is more than just shopping. It supports artists, communities, and cultural continuity. This guide explores where to find authentic Indigenous art across Canada, from galleries and co-ops to festivals and online groups.
Canada’s major cities host galleries that specialize in representing art from all over Canada. Notable galleries include:
This Vancouver-based gallery specializes in contemporary and traditional art from First Nations of the Northwest Coast. Nations such as the Haida, Salish and Tsimshian use the well-known formline style of drawing, painting, and carving. These styles were made famous globally by artists such as Bill Reid and Robert Davidson.
Coastal Peoples offers a range of pieces, including carvings, jewellery, masks and more, featuring both established and emerging artists.
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Although this gallery offers Indigenous art from across Canada, it is renowned for its extensive collection of Inuit art. Established in 1979, Inuit Gallery displays Inuit sculpture, prints and jewellery, alongside an impressive collection of Northwest Coast masks and carvings.
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This Ottawa gallery is one of the country’s most significant collections of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis art. Here you’ll find a range of art, from ancient works preserved over time to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
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Indigenous-run cultural centres often have gift shops featuring local artists. Notable locations include:
The Haida Heritage Centre at Ḵay Llnagaay in Haida Gwaii is a cultural gathering place. It’s a space featuring majestic totem poles, exhibits, and a gift shop where you can find Haida art, jewellery, and carvings. The shop offers visitors the chance to support Haida artists directly.
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The U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC, preserves and shares the traditions of the Kwakwakaʼwakw people, including the repatriated Potlatch Collection. Its gift shop offers authentic art, jewellery, and books, with proceeds supporting cultural preservation and community programs.
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The Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ontario, preserves and promotes Haudenosaunee history, art, and culture through its museum, gallery, and educational programs. Its gift shop offers authentic artwork, beadwork, books, and crafts, providing a direct way to support Indigenous artists.
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Many artists sell their work at seasonal Indigenous markets, powwows, potlatches and other cultural gatherings. Annual events such as Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, Winter and Summer Solstice Festivals, and local art fairs are excellent places to find unique artwork.
When you shop for art at these events, you have the chance to meet the artist. You can hear the story represented in the work and go home knowing that your new piece is truly authentic. Most importantly, when you support events like these, you are actively contributing to the sustainability of future cultural celebrations.
These days, most Indigenous galleries also have online shops. Additionally, you can find trusted platforms, including the Inuit Art Foundation Shop and artist co-ops with online stores.
Many artists share and sell their work directly through Indigenous art Facebook groups or their own pages and shops. The best part of online shopping is that it opens access to artists in remote communities.
Keep in mind that fraud and plagiarism exist in the world of commerce, including the online art market. Before making any online payments, confirm the artist’s identity. Ask about their Nation and affiliation, and watch for authenticity markers. For example. watermarks or an Igloo Tag specifically for Inuit art.
Many Indigenous communities have co-ops or Indigenous-owned shops. Shopping in small communities helps grow the local economy. It also guarantees peace of mind knowing that you are buying authentic work.
In communities with established tourism, you can sometimes find unique and memorable cultural experiences, allowing you direct engagement with artists.
For example, the Haida Village of Gaw Tlagée (Old Masset) in Northern Haida Gwaii is known for its concentration of renowned Haida artists.
For an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of these artist families, you can stay at April White’s White Raven House. It’s both a fine arts gallery and oceanfront B&B-style guesthouse, hosted by the artist herself.
Next door is the Gin Kuyaas (Precious Things) art and gift boutique. Here, you can shop for everything from original paintings, handmade jewellery, argillite carvings, clothing, bentwood cedar boxes, and more.
Across the road, you can take part in a tour of the Tluu Xaada Naay (Canoe People’s House) traditional cedar longhouse, which is full of original, priceless Haida art and carvings. The carving shed out back is where teams of carvers turn monumental cedar trees into massive canoes and totem poles. Log canoes date back to 8000 BCE, and the totem pole tradition is over 1000 years old. Tluu Xaada Naay is dedicated to preserving these ancient traditions by offering carving internships to local youth.
Once you have found a piece of art to take home, find out everything you can about it. Ask pertinent questions:
Aim for supporting Indigenous-owned businesses and direct sales, and educate yourself about respecting cultural protocols. Not every design is meant for commercial use, and some items are not to be photographed or posted online. Play a part in sharing Indigenous art responsibly, especially when you obtain work via festivals or online groups.
When it comes to Canada’s diverse Indigenous art forms, there’s so much to take in. To learn more about Indigenous art in Canada and the people and cultures behind the practices, check out Exploring Indigenous Art Across Canada.
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