MAKE A REAL IMPACT:
Uplift Indigenous Youth and Shape the Future
Bentwood boxes are a time-honored tradition of the Northwest Coast First Nations peoples of British Columbia. Crafted with deep cultural significance, these boxes have been used for a variety of purposes — from ancestral burial boxes to storage for clothing, household items, and even as cooking vessels. Each box tells a story, embodying both practical use and profound symbolism.
Join us in empowering Indigenous youth like ‘E’
The bentwood box featured on this landing page is especially meaningful.
Created by ‘E’, a talented 13-year-old Indigenous artist from the UNYA Aries program, this box represents resilience, creativity, and the spirit of Indigenous youth. Through their art, young people like ‘E’ are sharing their stories and shaping the future of their communities.
Through programs like Aries and OCM, UNYA provides young artists with the tools, mentorship, and support to unlock their creative potential. This week, we are also excited to present our Annual Bentwood Box Charity Auction, a celebration of art, culture, and the transformative power of creativity. Each year, a youth artist from UNYA is selected to contribute a unique bentwood box for the auction, and this year, ‘E’ was chosen for their exceptional artistic talent.
Your Support Matters More Than Ever
We invite you to join us in supporting Indigenous youth like ‘E’ by making a $50 donation today. Your contribution will directly fund UNYA’s programs, providing essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities to empower young artists and leaders.
To make your gift even more meaningful, your $50 donation will be matched, giving you the chance to win this year’s one-of-a-kind bentwood box created by ‘E’. This is more than just a beautiful work of art—it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and the strength of Indigenous youth.
Your support will help UNYA continue its mission of empowering Indigenous youth, fostering creativity, and working toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Together, we can make a difference.