Founded by Squamish ethnobotanist and researcher Dr. Leigh Joseph (Styawat), Sḵwálwen (skwall-win) Botanicals is an Indigenous skincare line rooted in the ancestral plant knowledge of the Skwxwú7mesh people. The name Sḵwálwen means “heart” in the Squamish language, and each product is a heartfelt expression of tradition, healing, and respect for the land. Using sustainably harvested, wild-crafted botanicals, Leigh formulates small-batch skincare that is both potent and gentle—free from harsh chemicals and rich in the wisdom of generations past.
More than skincare, Sḵwálwen is a movement of renewal and reclamation. Leigh weaves together her academic training with teachings from Elders and community members to revitalize cultural knowledge and strengthen intergenerational healing. Each product carries a Squamish name and tells a story of connection—between people and plants, science and tradition, past and future. Through Sḵwálwen, Leigh not only raises the profile of Indigenous voices in the wellness industry but also leads community initiatives, including replanting hundreds of Indigenous species and mentoring youth.
Blending Tradition with Innovation: Explore how 2021 First Nations Art Award recipient James Harry is reshaping the future of Indigenous design
James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, a 2021 recipient of the BC Achievement First Nations Art Award, is redefining Indigenous design through a unique fusion of traditional Coast Salish teachings and contemporary artistic practices. Mentored by his father, renowned carver Xwalacktun, James grew up surrounded by cultural expression and purpose. His early carving work—such as the BC Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame doors—led him to formal training at Emily Carr University, and eventually, to acclaimed public art pieces like From Sea to Sky, an aluminum totem that fuses ancestral iconography with cutting-edge materials.
James continues to push boundaries through collaborative work with his life partner, artist Lauren Brevner, under the name KWÍKWI. Their joint exhibit The Seventh and the striking mural Dreamweaver exemplify a shared commitment to storytelling, cultural reclamation, and solidarity. James’s artistic vision bridges the past and future—inviting audiences to reflect, honour, and engage with Indigenous ways of knowing in public spaces.
A 2019 recipient of the Applied Art + Design Award, Gordon Hutchens is a master ceramist whose work reflects a rare blend of technical mastery and artistic vision. Based on Denman Island, Gordon draws from the natural world—ocean, forest, lichen-covered stone—to create forms and glazes that are both timeless and contemporary. His dedication to the craft spans over four decades, with a career that began at age 14 after a formative trip to Japan, where he was captivated by the reverence for pottery. Since then, he has become one of BC’s most respected ceramic artists, exhibiting internationally and teaching the next generation of makers.
Renowned for the depth and diversity of his glazes, Gordon’s process balances control and spontaneity, tradition and innovation. He formulates his own clay bodies—some sourced from his property—and fires them with nuanced precision. Whether teaching at North Island College or demonstrating at Circle Craft, Gordon shares his passion generously. His studio, open to the public, showcases both museum-quality pieces and functional wares—each infused with artistry that elevates the everyday.
