Lyle Wilson is a Haisla multidisciplinary artist whose work has played a defining role in the preservation, revitalization, and evolution of Northwest Coast Indigenous art for four decades. Raised in Kitamaat Village, he was influenced by the artistic traditions of his family, particularly his uncle, master artist Sam Robinson. After studying at the University of British Columbia and Emily Carr University of Art and Design, Lyle established a distinctive practice spanning carving of wood, ivory and bone; gold, silver copper and platinum metal engraving, painting, drawing, printmaking and writing, earning recognition for work that is both deeply rooted in Haisla traditions and unmistakably contemporary.
Throughout his career, Lyle has combined artistic excellence with cultural leadership. As artist-in-residence at the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology for more than twenty years, he has worked closely with collections, scholars, students, and communities in the field of Northwest Coast art. His participation in The Transforming Image project and book helped revitalize the view of historic northwest coast paintings, which helped scholars, students, and public understand its significance. It also influenced Indigenous artists, young and experienced, to revitalize their own practice of Northwest Coast art – including the Haisla. His public commissions, including major installations at Vancouver International Airport, have brought First Nations art and stories into prominent public spaces.
The Haisla, like most societies, have a tradition of community giving and Lyle has always embraced that tradition by donating art to the Haisla community and to individuals who have helped him in his artistic journey. Because of his belief in reconciliation and the positive influence of his time at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia and the Emily Carr College of Art and Design, Lyle expanded his definition of community and donated a comprehensive range of artwork and research to the Kitimat Museum and Archives.
Lyle is the recipient of the 2026 Polygon Award in First Nations Art Award of Distinction. The award recognizes an established First Nations artist whose extraordinary artistic achievements, cultural leadership, and enduring contributions have strengthened Indigenous art in British Columbia while inspiring future generations of artists and knowledge keepers.
