Andy Everson

Born 1972, Comox, British Columbia

Andy Everson is a well established Kwakwaka'wakw artist. He inherited the  name Nagedzi, after his grandfather, Chief Andy Frank. He has also been seated with the Namgis Tsitsal'walagame name of Kwamxalagalis l'nis.  Everson’s interest in his cultural heritage has led him to pursue a Masters Degree in Anthropology and to involve himself in the ceremonial aspects (dancing and singing) of his tribal group. His work in anthropology provided him with a background in linguistics, inspiring him to establish a company, Copper Canoe Inc, which specializes in the proliferation of Aboriginal language media.

Everson’s commitment to the traditions of the Kwakwaka’wakw people led him to pursue a more active role in the community. In this regard, he has participated in several First Nations dance groups, such as the Le-La-La Dancers. His performance with these dance groups has driven him to make the preservation and celebration of his people’s culture of the upmost importance to him.

Everson continues to work as a printmaker to which he brings a commitment to the stories and beliefs of his family. Some of his most well known and collected editions have been his interpretations of the Star Wars franchise. In these pieces he applies Northwest Coast design to Star Wars characters and with them includes an explanation of how they can be representative of parts of the First Nations treaty process in British Columbia.  In this way Everson inserts a Northwest Coast discourse into popular culture. It has been an effective method, with three editions selling out.