In the verdant landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, a profound artistic lineage finds fresh expression through the hands of
Nakesha and Nakiya Edwards. The identical twins, members of the Swinomish Tribe, represent an emerging generation in the rich continuum of Coast Salish aesthetic tradition.
Their artistic journey began serendipitously in a wood-carving class at La Conner High School, where their latent talents captured the discerning eye of their uncle, Kevin "wah lee hub" Paul. A Coast Salish master carver of considerable renown, Paul recognized in his nieces not merely technical aptitude, but the spiritual connection essential to authentic indigenous artmaking.
"One of the goals I had was that a tribal member would pick it up, fall in love with it for the art itself and keep it alive," Paul reflects with evident satisfaction. "I saw there was talent in these two girls, Nakiya and Nakesha. They just excelled. They learned the techniques that I do—how to paint, how to carve."
What distinguishes the Edwards sisters within contemporary indigenous art discourse is their simultaneous embrace of ancestral methodologies alongside their distinctly individual creative voices. As they continue to develop their practice, they exemplify the living, breathing nature of Coast Salish artistic expression—not as cultural artifact, but as vital, evolving dialogue between generations.