The story of Lloyd and Frances Hill began in 1946

Hills Native Art

Hill's Native Art
Our Story

The story of Lloyd and Frances Hill began in 1946 when they first acquired the Koksilah General Store and Post Office. Koksilah (pronounced coke-sy-la) is a small community on the East coast of Vancouver Island, just one mile south of Duncan.

During the early years, the Hills created an outlet for the local Native artists who were encouraged to display and sell their work. As time passed, visitors to Koksilah became aware of the Hill’s reputation and their unique art so word spread across the country. As the Hill family business expanded, new stores were opened on Vancouver Island in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River. Hill’s flagship store, in the heart of Vancouver’s charming Gastown, is just steps away from the Frances Hill’s shop.

Gastown, founded in 1867, is Vancouver’s birthplace where you’ll be surprised and delighted by its historic Victorian architecture. Along its cobble-stoned streets are quaint courtyards, cafes, galleries, fine boutiques, shops and restaurants with day and night time entertainment. Every year, Hill’s Gallery becomes an integral part of the renowned du Maurier International Jazz Festival in June – an incredible multi-day event attended by 350,000 jazz enthusiasts.

With five outlets in British Columbia, Hill’s Native Art has acquired the largest and most varied collection of First Nations and Inuit arts and crafts. Hill’s has caught worldwide attention as the largest Northwest Coast Native Art Gallery in North America, and has exhibited hundreds of works by emerging and internationally renowned artists. At any given time, Hill’s features over 1200 Native artists and represents every Tribe and Nation of the Northwest Coast.

Hill’s (Gastown) has hosted special events in its impressive Third Floor Gallery. For a moment, just imagine a warm and colourful gallery adorned with spectacular totem poles, dramatic masks hanging from high beams and an impressive collection of Native art enveloped by the sounds of melodic music. This inspiring atmosphere will enchant you while discovering the magic and mystery of Canada’s First Nations’ heritage - up close and personal. Here you’ll experience memories that will last a lifetime.

The sister store - Frances Hill’s - features Canadiana and locally-designed fashion for adults and children, fine jewellry, pottery and a wide selection of the Vancouver-made "Australian Outback Collection" of oilskin ad cotton coasts, jackets, hats and shirts. This open and inviting place is where unique indulgences and specialty gifts featuring Native-inspired designs can be found on items such as Pewter picture frames, letter openers, serving dishes, canvas totes, kitchenware and sculptures. New to Frances Hill’s is the Pendleton blanket collection.

Celebrating over 50 years of quality, Hill’s welcomes you to experience us while visiting beautiful British Columbia.

Hill’s specializes in corporate gifts, incentive awards, delegate and presentation packages. Consider Hill’s for unique Christmas or any occasion gifts for friends, family or professional colleagues.

For Special Event & Convention Planners, Hill’s Third Floor Gallery offers a warm and inspiring atmosphere to host Native-theme receptions that will enchant guests and hosts alike with lifetime memories. Contact us for details on art or gallery space rentals at info@hillsnativeart.com.

Open daily with convenient parking at each location.

Worldwide shipping.
No sales tax on goods shipping outside of Canada.

Koksilah General Store and Post Office Hill's Native Art, Vancouver (Gastown), Canada Frances Hill's, Vancouver (Gastown), Canada Hill's Native Art, Nanaimo, Canada Hill's Native Art, Victoria, Canada