Bentwood Annual Charity Auction
ART THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Eighteen years ago, Indigenous art gallery owner Peter Lattimer began a humble journey to bring together BC Indigenous artists to create bentwood box artwork. What started as a small vision has since grown into the Bentwood Box Charity Auction—an annual live auction event that is now vibrant and highly anticipated, raising vital support for the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) today.
Each year, the auction features stunning, hand-painted bentwood boxes—each one a work of art in its own right. These one-of-a-kind creations are generously donated by talented Indigenous artists across British Columbia. The boxes are not just beautiful artifacts; they are symbols of culture, tradition, and creativity, helping to raise critical funds for programs that uplift and support Indigenous youth in the community.
The Urban Native Youth Association— Making a Difference in the Lives of Indigenous Youth
For over 35 years, UNYA has been making a profound impact on the lives of Indigenous youth, offering 20+ culturally relevant programs that support over 24,000 young people each year.
The live auction plays a crucial role in raising funds for UNYA’s expansion project: the Indigenous Youth Centre of Excellence. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to empower the next generation of leaders. In addition, the auction supports UNYA’s Overly Creative Minds (OCM) program, which provides a welcoming, creative space where Indigenous youth can express themselves, explore their cultural heritage, and develop their artistic talents.
“OCM nurtures leadership, skill-building, and community connections, inspiring youth through cultural exploration to pursue their dreams,” says UNYA CEO Cheryl Robinson. “We’re deeply grateful to Peter and the artists who generously share their gifts to support both the OCM program and our expansion goals.”
“This year, we aim to meet a fundraising milestone and raise a million dollars for Indigenous youth,” says Lattimer. “We’re proud to showcase this charity auction and the incredible Indigenous art that powers this initiative, bringing it to the heart of the community.” he adds.
THE BENTWOOD BOX ANNUAL CHARITY AUCTION
November 23–December 7
Where Every Bid Powers the Future of Indigenous Youth
Join Lattimer Gallery, BC’s Indigenous artists, and our dedicated sponsors to help achieve this milestone and make a lasting impact.
Your support is more than a gesture—it’s an investment in the future of Indigenous youth.
GET READY!
Bidding Opens Online for the Grand Unveiling of the 2024 Bentwood Box Collection at lattimergallery.com on November 23!
Meet Cai: A Young Artist Shaping the Future
Cai is an Indigenous artist whose work reflects the vibrant cultures of their Algonquin and Métis ancestry. As a young Indigiqueer, 2-Spirit individual, Cai’s art is deeply inspired by both traditional knowledge and contemporary ecological themes, blending the past and present to create works that honor their heritage and respond to current environmental issues.
Cai’s journey with UNYA (Urban Native Youth Association) began at the age of sixteen, where they quickly became involved in programs that have since transformed their life. These opportunities have provided Cai with the resources, mentorship, and community needed to develop their artistic voice and cultural pride.
Last year, Cai crafted a stunning bentwood box for the UNYA Charity Auction, a piece that captured not only their immense talent but also their connection to heritage. Each year, the Lattimer Gallery showcases a unique design by a UNYA youth artist, providing them with a platform to share their creativity and gain recognition. Once again, Cai is contributing a unique, one-of-a-kind bentwood box to the 2024 Bentwood Box Collection for this year’s Charity Auction. Cai joins an exceptional group of Indigenous artists whose work will be featured and auctioned at the event.
Art has always been a core part of Cai’s identity. From a young age, they have expressed themselves through diverse media including watercolor, pencil crayon, digital art, and beadwork. Their work is deeply influenced by the land they grew up on, drawing inspiration from the flora and fauna of Ontario and British Columbia. Cai also credits their peers—Secwépemc artist Shay Paul, Kwantlen artist Atheana Picha, Squamish artist Aaron Nelson-Moody, and Eeyou beadworker Rain—as key sources of inspiration.
Currently studying Arts and Science at Langara College with a focus on ecological conservation, Cai strives to blend traditional Indigenous teachings with Western knowledge. Their art serves as a bridge between these worlds, using creativity as a way to honor the past while envisioning a sustainable future.
When you support the Bentwood Box Charity Auction, you’re not just purchasing a work of art; you’re helping to empower young artists like Cai. Through your bid, you provide them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive. These initiatives help young Indigenous people connect with their heritage, develop their skills and talents, and pave the way for a brighter future.
THE BENTWOOD BOX ANNUAL CHARITY AUCTION
November 23–December 7
Where Every Bid Powers the Future of Indigenous Youth
Bidding Opens Online for the Grand Unveiling of the 2024 Bentwood Box Collection at
lattimergallery.com on November 23!
