Tsawwassen artist weaves Coast Salish designs into handmade leather goods

Shawn Jacobs started his business, Wild Coast Leather, after a simple search for a belt with an Indigenous design for his son.

Growing up on the Tsawwassen Reserve Lands, Jacobs was consistently surrounded by his culture. "I have always been a creative person, and I enjoy working with my hands," he said. "Indigenous practices have always been a part of my life through my family and community."

Jacobs credits his early exposure to traditional practices—visits to longhouses from other nations and watching friends and family create art—as foundational influences. But it was a practical gap in the market that pushed him to action. His son, an active equestrian rider, needed something subtle to wear that showed Indigenous heritage.

"I found it extremely difficult to find a leather belt with an Indigenous design," Jacobs said. "There appeared to be a gap in the market."

As he taught himself leathercraft and repair, his product line expanded to reflect his family's lifestyle: handmade belts, dog collars and leashes. The production process is entirely manual. Jacobs begins with a full leather side, cuts it into specific lengths, then runs the pieces through an embossing press to stamp the designs. Each item is then hand-dyed in small batches, buffed and sealed.

"We take a lot of pride in our craftsmanship," he said.

On design, Jacobs aims for subtlety. "From a design perspective, I am trying to go for simple and subtle designs. I would also like to do designs that aren't so traditional with a flair of Coast Salish art."

Jacobs considers the business to be in its early stages, having spent considerable time researching and practicing to build confidence before releasing products. The Tsawwassen First Nation's Economic Development Department provided crucial support during the initial business-development phase.

Looking ahead, Jacobs plans to expand his designs, increase stock and introduce Wild Coast Leather to a wider audience. He aims to bring his products to local markets and eventually secure shelf space in local shops. Customers can connect with the brand on Facebook and Instagram.