https://louiegong.com/pages/gallery
Louie Gong (Nooksack) (M.Ed.) stands as one of the most impactful Coast Salish artists, activists, and social entrepreneurs of our time. His extraordinary ability to unite communities across cultural divides has established him as a transformative force in Indigenous business and art.
In 2008, Gong revolutionized the Native art and business landscape by founding Eighth Generation, making history as the first Native-owned company to produce wool blankets. This groundbreaking venture challenged the century-old dominance of non-Native corporations in an industry that had long appropriated Indigenous designs and cultural elements.
Eighth Generation's innovative "Inspired Natives™" business model directly supports Indigenous artists and communities while offering consumers authentic Native-designed products. This disruptive approach has redirected millions of dollars from non-Native corporations back to Indigenous creators and communities, empowering a rising generation of Native entrepreneurs and artists.
Gong's artistic vision seamlessly merges traditional Coast Salish design elements with contemporary urban aesthetics, creating a distinctive style that resonates across cultural boundaries. His work extends beyond blankets to include fine art, custom shoes, phone cases, and a wide range of lifestyle products that have helped bring Native art into everyday spaces.
The culmination of Gong's visionary journey came when he sold Eighth Generation to the Snoqualmie Tribe in 2019, completing what he describes as the "Native American Dream" - a blueprint for Indigenous business success that prioritizes community wealth, cultural values, and collective advancement over individual gain.
As an educator with a Master's degree in Education, Gong frequently speaks at universities, conferences, and community events, sharing his insights on cultural appropriation, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and the power of authentic representation. His leadership continues to inspire both Native and non-Native communities to reimagine business as a vehicle for cultural reclamation and social change.