BAKER WADE

Wade is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and is also xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Kwakwaka’wakw/Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, Tɫingit, and Xaayda (Haida) Wade is an accomplished Master Carver, Oral Historian, storyteller, and public artist. His Kwak’wala name ‘Mintledus’ means “Place of Plenty.” With a wealth of knowledge Wade advises on cultural protocols, Coast Salish design and Indigenous ways of knowing. Wade’s Coast Salish name “Halikium” means “Person who Travels Far.” It is Wade’s goal to bring Coast Salish culture global recognition, whilst bringing prosperity and healing to his people.
Wade is a renowned Master Carver and storyteller. He has been carving and creating art since he was a teenager. As a descendent of ancient Squamish, Musqueam, Kwakwaka'wakw, Tlingit and Haida nobility, Wade has inherited a rich artistic legacy. In these traditions, art is not a separate activity but is interwoven in life, language, custom and culture. Coast Salish designs are a means of spiritual expression in Wade’s art is inspired by the great traditions passed on through his family legends, lore and links of Pacific Northwest First Nations tribal lineage and heritage. He translates these legends into red cedar, glass and steel sculptures, and he has been inspired to explore a wide range of art forms. Wade’s preference is to create large public art sculptures. He was chosen to design a millennium coin for the Royal Canadian Mint in the year 2000. Over 60,000 artists competed for this honor. Prince Charles also unveiled his Coast Salish North Star in advance of the Olympics in 2009 in Vancouver.
Wade is a self-taught artist who was inspired as a child by watching his relatives Mungo Martin and Henry Hunt, master carvers. His understanding of the deep spiritual and religious meaning of traditional ceremonies comes from attending his family's many potlatches held in various longhouses along the coast. His complex and detailed artistry, combined with brilliant colours, create spiritual forms that appeal to both traditional and modern collectors.
Wade’s preference is to create large public art sculptures. He has worked in steel, wood, glass, marble and many other mediums.
His outstanding work ‘Gateway to Ancient Wisdom’ on the North Shore Spirit Trail was formally acknowledged in the Victoria Legislature in February 2009, and his work is in private collections internationally.