Dr. Francis Horne Sr. and Native Northwest Award

In the words of Khut Whee Mul Uhk
Dr. Francis Horne Sr.
"As an Indigenous Tsawout member and Elder I felt it only right to support the Indigenous law students at UVic.

Because of my Indigenous background and the teachings that I carry, I felt it would be inappropriate to benefit monetarily from these unfortunate circumstances. Therefore, it makes more sense to me that any proceeds from this lawsuit be directed toward Indigenous law.

On another note, my brother and sister-in-law are the Elders with UVic, Doug and Kathy Horne (Lafortune)”

In 2023 there was an infringement of the Sasquatch design created by Dr. Francis Horne. The design was featured on numerous products produced by Garfinkel Publications (dba Native Northwest). Garfinkel Publications acted to protect Indigenous art, artists and culture and ended up taking the matter to the Federal Court of Canada and won the case and subsequent appeal. This precedent setting case resulted in the largest award for an


Indigenous art infringement case. Hopefully it will offer support for Indigenous artists in asserting their artistic and cultural rights.

After legal expenses, Dr. Francis Horne Sr. was offered the net proceeds. Dr. Horne Sr. declined the offer, preferring to set up scholarship awards at UVic and Fraser Valley University. In addition, Dr. Francis Horne Sr. insisted that the awards be in the name: Dr. Francis Horne and Native Northwest Award.

We are deeply touched by Dr. Horne’s generosity and humbleness.