Nooksack entrepreneur sells company to Snoqualmie Tribe; will stay on as CEO
A Nooksack tribal member has sold his native art business to the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe in a move that’s expected to grow the company and protect its cultural resources.
Louie Gong announced the sale of The Eighth Generation on Monday, Nov. 25. He will remain with the company as CEO under a multiyear agreement, according to an email from Gong. Financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
The 13-employee company is based in Seattle, with its flagship store in Pike Place Market. It’s known for its native designs on wool blankets, fine art, apparel and jewelry, following through with its tagline of “Inspired Natives, not Native-inspired.”
Snoqualmie Tribe’s Chairman Robert de los Angeles said it is a value-driven investment.
“With this purchase, the Snoqualmie Tribe will provide resources and strategic support of Eight Generation’s mission to provide the largest and best possible platform for Native American artists,” de los Angeles said in a news release.
It’s the second significant purchase by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Earlier this month it purchased the Salish Lodge and Spa.
Along with being purchased, the company is also planning to expand its manufacturing operations, allowing it to increase the percentage of products made in the Seattle area.
Gong originally launched the business focusing on native art designs on Vans shoes. He grew up in the Nooksack tribal community, graduating from Nooksack Valley High School and later from Western Washington University.
He said while growing up he received help from many people in Whatcom County. He hopes his story can serve as an inspiration to others, showing that creating a vision can lead to success.
“I invested in my own business skills, which helped me as an artist,” Gong said, adding that he’d like to see other artists invest in themselves, and continues to help teach others in order to promote Native entrepreneurship.
