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Christiane and George Smyth are philanthropists and passionate collectors of Coast Salish art. Together, they have spent decades raising awareness of local Salish art and educating the public through their Salish Weave Collection. Following George’s passing in 2024, Christiane continues the work they began together.

After retiring and relocating to Victoria in 2000, the couple developed an interest in contemporary Coast Salish art, collecting original works and commissioning prints. Over 25 years, artwork from the collection has been gifted to educational and cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Canada. Artwork has been loaned for exhibitions to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, including a touring exhibition in British Columbia and some international exhibitions.

The Smyths have been steadfast supporters of initiatives at the ������Ƶ since 2010. Their philanthropic contributions included the Visiting Artist Program in Anthropology, Summer Institutes in Indigenous Education and Salish Weave School Program, which distributed box sets of prints to school districts on traditional Coast Salish territories. They also endowed the Smyth Chair in Arts and Engagement at ������Ƶ and the Salish Weave Chair in Indigenous Arts Practices and Pedagogies at Simon Fraser University.

The Smyths’ legacy honours the important contributions of Coast Salish artists. Their work inspires others to view art as a form of education, inspiration and connection.