The Wickaninnish Gallery was established in 1987 by Patricia Rivard, the great, great, great, great, granddaughter of Chief Wickaninnish. Patricia was born in Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island.

The Wickaninnish Gallery has showcased the artwork of many emerging and established First Nations artists. It has become a favorite destination for local shoppers and international guests to select high quality, affordable Native art and jewelry.

The Gallery has developed strong relationships with the artists and are able to satisfy custom jewelry orders for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, retirements and anniversaries.

The Name:

The Wickaninnish Gallery is named after a powerful First Nations chief, Chief Wickaninnish of theTla-o-qui-aht People from Clayoquot Sound on Vancouver Island. The name Wickaninnish translates to “having no one in front of him in the canoe”. During the time of European contact, Chief Wickaninnish was a highly revered leader and was very influential in the fur trade