A Rising of Wealth
Coast Opportunity Funds’ logo was designed by Curtis Wilson, a First Nations artist. Curtis says of the creative process: “The design was developed from ideas and concepts discussed with the Coast Opportunity Funds Board and staff. The final design is a Tlakwa-Copper, and resembles a G’ila-Grizzly Bear.”
“Within the Kwakwaka’wakw culture, Tlakwa-Coppers represent wealth. The G’ila-Grizzly Bear represents strength, power, welcome and friendship. This crest is often associated with family and children, to show the close relationship with humans.”
The Great Bear Rainforest being a huge focal point of Coast Opportunity Funds, we felt it was appropriate to have a grizzly bear incorporated within the design.
About the Artist
My Hamat'sa name, passed down to me through our Potlatch, is Tayanaxwalis. My everyday name is Mulidzas, and my English given name is Curtis Wilson. I was born, raised, and currently live in Campbell River with my wife of eight years and my daughter. My families are traditionally from the four corners of the Kwakwak'awakw territory. My roots of my family can be traced to the Axwamees (Wakeman Sound), ‘Nakwaxda’xw (Ba’as-Blunden Harbour) and to the Leqwiltokw Nations.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from Vancouver Island University. I have been a part of the Laichwiltach Culture Group for many years and am very adamant about learning my culture and heritage. I have been learning how to carve for a number of years now, and will continue to learn for many more years to come. I started to carve at small a shed built by my grandfather Sam Henderson Sr., under the instruction of many of my uncles and cousins. I have utilized many techniques and styles from each and every one of my uncles and cousins. In learning the old styles of my grandfather Sam Henderson Sr., and the new styles of my uncles and cousins, I have tried to develop a unique style of my own.
My experiences are getting greater and greater every day, but I am constantly learning new aspects of my culture and heritage everyday. My goal in life is to learn as much of my culture and heritage as I can, so I can past it on to the next generations.
—Curtis Wilson