Corey "Noka Tsi" Larocque

Corey Larocque is a contemporary Indigenous artist of Cree, Haida, and Gitxsan heritage. He began his artistic journey at a young age, drawing inspiration from his grandfather's bentwood boxes. In 2004 he formally started carving, mentored by renowned artists such as Beau Dick, Wayne Alfred, and Russell Smith. Larocque's work encompasses traditional and contemporary forms, including masks, jewelry, and sculptures, crafted from materials like red cedar, silver, and copper. His creations often incorporate elements like feathers, horsehair, and cedar bark, reflecting his deep connection to Indigenous cultural practices. In 2015, during a Kwakwaka’wakw Potlatch, he was bestowed the name Noka-Tsi, meaning "big heart," by Chief Marcus Alfred, signifying his commitment to cultural preservation and artistic excellence. Larocque's work has been featured in galleries across Canada and is held in private and public collections, including the Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver.