Every Box Tells a Story.
Every Gift Creates a New One.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Celebrating Indigenous Creativity. Investing in Indigenous Futures.
In support of UNYA’s Overly Creative Minds Program
Shifter of Shapes
2025
(Tahltan/Tlingit)
Bear Mask Box
2025
(Gitxsan)
Abundance from Balance
2025
Every work of art begins with a story. A story of identity, culture, creativity, and connection.
On December 5, 2026, Lattimer Gallery will once again present the extraordinary creativity of Indigenous artists through its annual Bentwood Box Charity Auction – in support of the UNYA.
This special event brings together more than 20 Indigenous artists, each contributing an original, individually crafted work of art reflecting their distinctive artistic vision, creativity, and cultural expression.
Each creation is as individual as the artist behind it. Together, they represent a celebration of Indigenous artistry, storytelling, and community.
But Bentwood Box is about more than the art itself.
It’s about what the art can make possible.
Supporting UNYA. Inspiring Creativity Through OCM.
For more than 36 years, UNYA has supported Indigenous youth across Metro Vancouver through culturally grounded programs and services that foster belonging, connection, wellness, education, and opportunity.
Among these programs is Overly Creative Minds (OCM), a vibrant creative space where Indigenous youth can explore artistic expression, connect with culture, develop new skills, and discover their creative potential.
Through arts programming, mentorship, and opportunities for creative exploration, OCM helps youth build confidence, strengthen cultural identity, and develop skills that can open doors to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and careers in the creative arts.
Proceeds from Bentwood Box 2026 will support UNYA’s Overly Creative Minds program, helping sustain and strengthen the creative opportunities available to Indigenous youth.
Every donation, sponsorship, and successful auction bid contributes to this shared purpose.
Supporting UNYA means investing in Indigenous youth. Supporting OCM means helping their creativity and potential flourish.
Every Gift Creates a New Story
Last year, we celebrated the stories behind the art.
This year, we invite our community to help create the stories yet to be told.
A young artist discovering their voice. A new skill taking shape. A cultural connection growing stronger. A possibility becoming a pathway.
These are the stories your generosity can help make possible.
When we invest in Indigenous creativity, we invest in the people, possibilities, and futures behind it.
Be Part of the Story. Support UNYA and OCM.
The success of Bentwood Box is made possible through the generosity of artists, donors, businesses, and community members who believe in creating opportunities for Indigenous youth.
Make a Donation to UNYA
Support Overly Creative Minds with a financial contribution. You don’t have to take home a work of art to make a lasting difference. Your gift helps create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
Partner with UNYA to celebrate Indigenous creativity while demonstrating your organization’s commitment to Indigenous youth, community investment, and reconciliation.
Contribute an Auction or Raffle Prize
Donate an experience, product, service, or special opportunity to help generate additional funds for OCM.
Participate in the Auction
Celebrate Indigenous artistry by bidding on original works generously contributed by participating artists.
Share Our Story
Introduce Bentwood Box to friends, colleagues, and community networks. Every new connection helps extend our reach and strengthen support for Indigenous youth.
Your Generosity Is Part of the Story.
The generosity behind Bentwood Box reaches beyond a single event.
It helps UNYA continue creating spaces where Indigenous youth are encouraged to express themselves, explore their talents, connect with culture, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
You don’t have to be an artist to inspire creativity.
You simply have to believe in its potential.
Make a Gift. Create a Possibility.
Join us in supporting UNYA and Overly Creative Minds.
Donate Today Through CanadaHelps
Support UNYA and Overly Creative Minds – Donate Here
canadahelps.org/en/charities/urban-native-youth-association
When making your donation, please enter “OCM – Bentwood Box” in the message box so we can direct your gift to this initiative.
Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together!
Interested in corporate sponsorship, contributing an auction or raffle prize, or exploring a creative partnership?
We would love to work with you to develop a meaningful opportunity that reflects your organization’s interests while creating lasting impact for Indigenous youth.
Let’s explore what we can create together!
Contact us at [email protected]
