 is a multidisciplinary artist of Coast Salish heritage- and is somewhat of a creative trailblazer. From connecting with students across Canada in teaching traditional art sessions, to 

Indigenous actors in AMC’s The Walking Dead

 wearing Mailhot’s Native designs, there’s a huge demand for his diverse artistic range.

And with collaborations under his belt, teaming up alongside iconic clothing brand, 

(details at the bottom to get your hands on the exclusive merch!)

 we get into the cultural significance and impact of his unique journey. 

Ovila (AKA Salish Son), your work is incredible! What’s the back story on you becoming an artist?

I come from a really creative family. So art has always been something I've been drawn towards. I wanted to learn more about my roots and Salish art form. When I started practicing, it felt so natural to me.

Glenn Stanton of AMC's The Walking Dead wearing Salish Son's Skoden tee!

There are a lot of striking visuals throughout your work. Could you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind them?

My art comes from many sources of inspiration. Traditional stories that I've learned, things that I experience in my day-to-day, memories, and sometimes inspiration from just things that I enjoy in my life. And I like to think that my work shows that.

Your website touches on healing through traditional art; which is so profoundly beautiful. What would you say is the interconnection within these two practices?

Colonization, residential schools, and generational trauma have really impacted our families and communities. And we're still healing from that, myself included. Our culture and art was almost taken away from us. My own healing comes from wanting to learn as much as I can about our culture and art. To keep these traditions intact, and be able to share that beauty and resilience with others. That's good medicine for me.

Are there any tips or pieces of wisdom you have for other artists out there looking to express themselves through their cultural values, and where they can start?

Tips I can offer; approach your work and expression with a pure heart, passion and positive energy. Good things will always follow from that. Where to start? Our ancestors left behind so many beautiful designs to learn from and practice. I learnt from researching our ancestral designs such as the spindle whorls, and stories that are connected to those.

We’re so honoured to have this merch collaboration with you, Ovila! Do you have any other exciting upcoming projects in the mix?

I'm happy to have collaborated on this design with OneFeather as well, and I'm constantly working on new projects and growing my Salish Son brand. A strong part of my focus right now is continuing my online art/design workshops with students and schools across Canada. That has been so rewarding to me as an artist.

OneFeather X Salish Son exclusive tote bag! Read more below on how to nab one. 

Find out how to get your hands on the exclusive 

OneFeather X Salish Son tote bag, by signing up to our newsletter today.

Sto:lo Nation Artist Salish Son on Cultural Connectivity

During our recent bi-annual summit: winter edition (brrrr!) out in Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory, we came together as a company to have a truly memorable experience. It was a rare occasion in which we made drums- to the beat of traditional drummer and singer, Shawn Decaire’s booming and encouraging voice who instructed us each step of the way to success.

Touching the moose hide with our bare hands, laying it in water to get wet (so the skin soaks it up and dries to give a good quality sound) and going through the process of tying the wax strings in a methodical pattern so the hide was tight, was a culturally immersive adventure and a real privilege to participate in. And it was no mean feat, taking a couple of hours to complete but so worth it!

Shawn Decaire and Lawrence Lewis, the bromance is real 🥹 

Handmade treasure chests by Shawn Decaire 

Decaire was our guiding compass, so we can’t say 

 enough for his support, and also to Jace Meyer of 

 the host and facilitator of the workshops, and Robyn Ward who assisted the summit. Of course, 

 for the delicious food too! Nobody holds a bannock banquet quite like they do- so perfectly fresh and crispy 🤌🏽.

The perfect handmade bannock by Songhees Catering 

We had a blast putting ideas into our circle, and creating together as a large group which we want to share with you! 

Our team in circle with OneFeather treasures 

So our formula is: brainstorming together, then bringing those ideas to life. That’s what our summits are all about- it's not all Bannock and bopping to the beat 😉. If you want to be at the forefront of when those ideas come into fruition, 

The newsletter is also where we drop the 

We Made Drums at the OneFeather Summit 

Indigenous members that are represented in federal Canadian elections are few and far between, with barriers to access even though 

inclusion of their distinct world views in political institutions would prove to be a major asset.

 happens to be a candidate that was put forward for the Vancouver City Council 2022 by 

 and is a proud member of Lac La Ronge First Nation.

Whilst running for the election, he focused on issues prioritizing climate change, affordable housing, decolonization with 

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 

(UNDRIP) principles (building reciprocal relationships with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Wauth- the rights to self-determination and self-governance), equity and racial justice, alternative policing models (addressing social detriments to health, poverty, discrimination and accountable governance) and equitable representation.

Norris used effective digital channels and his platform to actively reach both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to encourage them to vote; 

 to weave his cultural values (and humour!) into his messaging.

In this sixth episode, the conversation gets into why intentional digital processes are important for communities, what “a seat at the table” in politics looks like for Indigenous folks, and the importance of upending the status quo in order to make equitable change.

You can also listen to the conversation here via 

https://www.youtube.com/@onefeatherapp/videos

https://open.spotify.com/show/0SW489x40xOpZD2r4WbAQ0

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-that-noise/id1364610122

Former Political Candidate on Navigating Indigenous Digital Spaces