Hello, my name is Agnes. I am a proud member of the ‘Namgis First Nation, and my traditional name is łlilawikw. It was gifted to me by my family through our Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch system and includes me in a long line of traditions fought for and celebrated. Its meaning translates to English as Gatherer of the People. I was raised in Alert Bay, surrounded by the deep cultural knowledge and artistic traditions as foundations that continue to shape my life, art, and work.
In 2019, I completed artist residencies at Skwachàys Lodge and Franklin Studio in Vancouver, and just after the pandemic had my first designer collaboration with fashion designer Rebecca Baker-Grenier, which introduced my work to the world of haute couture and Indigenous runway. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I faced challenges in my business but also began teaching, first at North Island College’s Metal Arts Certificate Program, and then as a cultural educator for School District 71. My business continued to grow during this time, including collaborations on high-profile projects like work for Lily Gladstone.
Today, as the Program Manager at The Fireweed Institute, I support Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs in building sustainable, culturally grounded businesses. This role brings together my lived experience, creative practice, and passion for teaching, allowing me to give back while co-creating spaces for others to thrive. Bringing the thoughtful programming The Fireweed Institute is a dream come true, and I am so proud to belong to such a groundbreaking team!
If you are an Indigenous entrepreneur who is ready to scale your business and its impact, we are now accepting expressions of interest for the 2026 Fireweed Venture Accelerator, an Indigenous-led, 12-month cohort designed for founders ready to scale. You can learn more here.
