This is an Indigenous print from the Northwest Coast of North America that is distinctively Coast Salish in style. The Salish people occupy present-day southern British Columbia and Washington State, and their artwork tends to be more abstracted and modern looking that art from northern BC and Alaska. This piece is titled 'Kwikwetlem Harvest' and represents the salmon season here in British Columbia. Kwikwetlem is the Indigenous spelling of Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver, which is near a major fishing river called the Fraser River. Created by Coast Salish/Kwakwaka'wakw artist Maynard Johnny Jr, this print measures 26 inches by 19 inches and is both numbered and signed.

While significance varies Nation to Nation, there are associated traits and representational qualities of Salmon that remain consistent cross-culturally. Salmon are honored and celebrated by many of the Coastal Nations in B.C. and are a powerful symbol of regeneration, self-sacrifice, and perseverance. Shortages of Salmon are traditionally attributed to human disrespect and refusal to live by advice of the elders. The skill of preparing and storing Salmon is much greater than that required in catching them – women are seen as the keepers of the Nation’s most valuable catch and cache. Therefore, there is a connection between women, regeneration, and all that salmon can provide for the community. Many stories express the importance of appreciating Salmon and observing traditional rites of respect - such as placing all of the salmon’s bones back into the water after eating. If this rite is not observed, the Salmon tend not to return. In many Northwest Coast cultures, the Salmon is a symbol of good luck when seen in pairs. Two Salmon represent balance, and a yin-and-yang within the natural world. The Salmon is also the symbol for twins in Northwest Coast First Nations culture, and any individual who is a twin can claim Salmon as their family crest regardless of lineage. Salmon is particularly prominent in the artwork of Coast Salish Nations. In art, Salmon is identified by short fins; round eyes; downturned mouth; a long body with scales; and a bifurcated tailfin.