It's been over 26 years since Lewis and Cathy George created this First Nations owned-and-operated enterprise in Tofino, BC. Lewis and Cathy spoke with some of the local Elders and came up with the name "Himwitsa, " which is derived from the Nuu Chah Nulth language. It translates as "Story-telling and the passing of knowledge from Elder to Youth."
House of Himwitsa is a Canadian Native art gallery where you can view some of the world's most sought-after fairly traded masks, carvings, and jewelry. Each creation has a story to tell. We are owned and operated by First Nations members, and we specialize in fair-trade First Nations artwork handcrafted by our region's most talented and innovative Native artists.
House of Himwitsa is a Canadian Native art gallery where you can view some of the world's most sought-after fairly traded masks, carvings, and jewelry. Each creation has a story to tell. We are owned and operated by First Nations members, and we specialize in fair-trade First Nations artwork handcrafted by our region's most talented and innovative Native artists.
Services
The House of Himwitsa Native Art Gallery was established in 1991 in the rural town of Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. The area is known for its abundance of bears, whales, eagles, salmon, and other magnificent wildlife. In addition, Tofino is commonplace for fishing trips, whale and bear watching, hiking, kayaking, and surfing.
Art is a staple of every culture. It's what carries stories between generations and inspires understanding beyond borders and boundaries. At House of Himwitsa, we make it our mission to showcase a wide range of Canadian Native artwork. Our gallery also facilitates sales of fair-trade products to interested buyers.
Jewelry isn't unique to First Nations cultures, but the artisanal quality and distinctive style seen in pieces by Native artists present a one-of-a-kind beauty. Steeped in history and crafted with care, each accessory is a story unto itself, embodying the living memory of rich communities. At House of Himwitsa, we showcase dozens of compelling pieces as part of our gallery.
When most people think of First Nations art, carvings are close to the first things that come to mind. While they're just one of the vast expressions of creativity across Native communities, there's a reason that these pieces tend to stand out in the imagination. They perfectly encapsulate a commitment to living with the land, taking the beauty of nature and blending it with the stories and styles of community culture.
The best part about our neighbourhood is the bounty of wildlife that on constant display from your balcony. If you are really lucky, you may get a rare sighting of a grey whale, a pod of orca's or a humpback whale hanging out in the harbour! Of the many species of birds and ducks on the coast, you can catch a glimpse of the most prominently revered Bald Eagles which are abundant in the area.
Reviews (14)
Krystle Raymond
Nov 19, 2021
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Tricia Millward
Sep 23, 2021
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Steven Gardiner
Aug 25, 2021
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Patrick Paolini
Aug 22, 2021
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Nicole Dumas
Jul 15, 2021
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Captain Moffett
Mar 26, 2021
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Nathan G.
Oct 14, 2020
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Lynn Beltrandi
Oct 05, 2020
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The gallery was closed when we pulled up, but the attendant saw us, and opened up for us. They have a wide variety of genuine native artists made items, from carvings, to prints, jewelry, ceramics, clothing items, and the like. We bought a small wall mount carving and some prints. The store attendant was very helpful.
Valerie Boucher
Jun 29, 2020
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Wonderful place to stay in Tofino. Excellent location for walking throughout town. Front desk staff were friendly and accommodating. Stayed in room #4 which has a private hot tub on the deck. The only criticism I have about my stay is that housekeeping came in and started turning over the room before we were ready to check out. We put our bags in the car and walked to breakfast with the plan to return to the room afterwards to wait out the rain until checkout time but when we returned the door was propped open and the room was stripped. Nonetheless it was a beautiful room and a wonderful stay.
Traci Rink
Nov 18, 2019
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I am writing a review not of our hotel stay (we didn’t stay there) but of the gallery/store. We bought two lovely numbered serigraphs and asked that they be sent to our home in the US. We were incredibly pleased and impressed for two reasons. 1) the store/gallery owners took great care (they created a plywood box and used an impressive amount of bubble wrap!) to make sure the items arrived safely and intact) to us AND, the price was reasonable (only their cost.
Jeanne S.
Sep 19, 2019
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Melody M.
Nov 06, 2017
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Amazing local store selling local made masks, totems, first nations books, postcards, water bottles, dishes, and local silver jewelry. They also sell Cowichan sweaters. Everything in the store is like art and carefully laid out.
This store is First Nations owned and operated and opened in March 1994.
This store is First Nations owned and operated and opened in March 1994.
Kev M.
Mar 30, 2017
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My wife and stayed there late March 2017 and we can't stress enough how impressed we were with the whole experience. When we checked in at the amazing Native Art store we were warmly welcomed and were shown, on a map, many of the best trails, beaches and resteraunts. Our suite overlooking the small harbour was huge, beautifully appointed and comfortable. The mattresses were extremely comfortable and of high quality. When we return we will only stay at the Himwitsa Lodge in Tofino.
Richard H.
Sep 05, 2016
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This is gonna be only about the Native art gallery.
One of those many shops with traditional art of local native americans in BC. It´s small but the choice is pretty big. Not only sculptures, jewelry, tools or paintings but also clothes or books. Staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are more or less friendly. Well, nothing is really cheap in Tofino. And for people outside the Canada without a data plan - yes, there is a Wi-Fi :-)
One of those many shops with traditional art of local native americans in BC. It´s small but the choice is pretty big. Not only sculptures, jewelry, tools or paintings but also clothes or books. Staff is friendly and helpful. Prices are more or less friendly. Well, nothing is really cheap in Tofino. And for people outside the Canada without a data plan - yes, there is a Wi-Fi :-)