Patricia Rivard is a respected entrepreneur and a pioneering First Nations business owner. She established the Wickaninnish Gallery on Vancouver’s famous Granville Island in 1987.

The Gallery’s specialty, Northwest Coast First Nations art and gift items, is a natural choice for Rivard who grew up respecting the craft and beauty around her.

She was born in the village of Tofino on the extreme west coast of Vancouver Island. This is an area of breathtaking natural beauty with the open Pacific Ocean and ancient cedar forests interacting under spectacular skies. Rivard is part of the Ucluelet Nation, one of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations. She named her Gallery after Chief Wickaninnish, the most powerful chief of the Nuu-chah-nulth in the late 1700’s. The youngest of Chief Wickaninnish’s four daughters was the mother of Rivard’s grandfather. The name Wickaninnish means Roaring Waters.

As a member of a large extended family, Rivard spent a lot of time with her grandmother whose talents in basket weaving, beading and knitting inspired Rivard’s life-long appreciation of artistic beauty in everyday life. Her family also instilled in her and her siblings a pride in their heritage, a sense of responsibility and accountability, and a strong work ethic.

During the early part of her career, Rivard worked with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, a period that further exposed her to First Nations artists and their formidable talents across the province.

Propelled by a strong drive to succeed, an inherent business sense, and encouraged by her husband, Rivard opened the Wickaninnish Gallery in 1987. It was one of the first businesses founded, owned and operated by a female First Nations entrepreneur.

Today, Rivard’s reputation and the success of the Wickaninnish Gallery generate a continuous stream of submissions from artists and artisans across the province. Rivard thrives on selecting and showcasing new talent and she enjoys her achievements. Among the young and successful artists represented at the Gallery are her sons, Ivan Thomas and Justin Rivard whose silver and gold jewellery is in high demand.

Patricia Rivard’s success in the competitive retail business is a testament to the strength of her values. It also demonstrates that high quality, good service and unique products continue to be a winning combination.