Ovila Mailhot

Ovila Mailhot is a self-taught artist from Seabird Island, British Columbia, with roots in the Nlaka’pamux and Stó:lō Nations. His work is deeply connected to his culture and community, shaped by a strong desire to represent where he comes from. Through learning and exploring the ancestral elements of Coast Salish art, Ovila continues to develop a visual language that reflects his identity and origins. His designs carry meaning beyond the surface—each piece is an expression of connection, story, and place. For Ovila, art is more than a creative practice; it is a vital way to honour culture, support healing, and share his perspective with others.

"This tradition of work and this beauty are so necessary for our culture and healing." — Ovila Mailhot