BAYJA MORGAN-BANKE
Toquaht, Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, and Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation
BIO
Bayja Morgan-Banke, an artist from the Toquaht (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) and Secwépemc (Shuswap) nations, grew up in Tofino in a family where creativity was a way of life. Her grandmother painted and sang, while her father and grandfather were skilled carvers.
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With an educational background in film and animation, Bayja now works as an illustrator at Indigenous Marketing Solutions. She's passionate about preserving indigenous languages and tells stories through her art, blending traditional techniques with animated styles. Each piece she creates honours her cultural heritage and connects the past with the present.
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Bayja's art is both heartfelt and hopeful, celebrating indigenous traditions while imagining a future where these stories continue to thrive.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Indigenous Peoples Day Design
The wolf is the protector. I feel like this day symbolizes strength and resilience.
A mother wolf is never to be be doubted or underestimated. She will stay up all night if it means her young are cared for and safe, something I think many parents today can relate to. The mother wolf will concern and worry, she will fight tirelessly until her pups are grown.
She is an ambitious, powerful force like our people, who have fought for generations to be here and to raise our children so they may have a bright future. This mother wolf was never assured or promised anything, yet she still fights like there is no tomorrow because her two pups are relying on her.
We are the result of those who fought for us. We’ve all seen it, whether it’s on the news, through a family member, or maybe it was you that fought yourself, we all continue to push for the strength we were given so we may pass it on.
Those who fought for us yesterday still protect us today. Now we will do the same so we may be carried by our children one day as they fight for their own.
At the end of the day, love always wins