Xwalacktun is one of Canada’s most well known Squamish and Kwakwaka'wakw sculptors and carvers. His wood carvings can be found throughout the province, telling stories of healing and growth. Fittingly, this led to him being the first indigenous artist to be granted a license to create art related to an Olympic Games, when the event came to Vancouver in 2010. Today, he continues to give back to the community through teaching and furthering reconciliation in Canada.

Joe Average’s story is literally a dream come true. While he had always been interested in drawing and photography, he felt motivated to add fuel to that passion after being diagnosed with HIV in 1984. Since then, he has become an award-winning artist in Canada, particularly in helping to de-stigmatize and empower the LGBTQ community.

He revolutionized the art of BC’s northwest First Nations, dedicated his life to Talhtan-Tlingit cultural preservation, and taught the next generation of carvers.

Through a love for design and housing, he built a BC real estate empire and became a major contributor in BC’s art scene.