Vancouver, BC (October 10, 2024): The BC Achievement Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually by the independent foundation, the award highlights outstanding contributions to traditional, contemporary, and media-based First Nations Art, celebrating those who exemplify artistic excellence.
“Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Your exceptional artistry, innovation, and dedication are remarkable,” said Walter Pela, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “Your artistic journey enhances cultural expression and reinforces the enduring legacy of First Nations art in our province. The recognition you receive from your communities is a testament to the impact of your work which inspires others to explore their creative paths,” he added.
Now in its 18th year, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated sustained commitment to their craft, amassed a significant body of work, and earned recognition within their communities. The program emphasizes the intersection of culture and creativity while providing a platform for mentorship, storytelling, and cultural engagement.
The 2024 recipients, selected by an independent jury, are:
Stephanie Anderson, Witsuwit’en, Terrace, Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist
Kelly Cannell, Musqueam, Vancouver
Andy Everson, K’omoks, Courtenay
The Award of Distinction, as decided by the BC Achievement board in consultation with community leaders, is presented to James Hart, 7IDANsuu, Haida, of Old Massett.
The 2024 jury members include past awardees Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Maynard Johnny Jr. (Coast Salish / Kwakwaka’wakw), and Lisa Hageman Yahgujanaas (Haida), guided by advisors to the jury, Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan, Kwakwaka’wakw), and Brenda Crabtree, OBC (Spuzzum Band, Nlaka’pamux, Sto:lo).
BC Achievement remains committed to celebrating excellence, amplifying success, and inspiring future generations through the accomplishments of these talented artists.
The foundation is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on Tuesday, November 19 at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Vancouver, BC, where each recipient will be honoured with a short film highlighting their accomplishments. Click here to purchase tickets. Awardees will also be celebrated through an online campaign, #shinethelightbc.
In addition, BC Achievement is proud to present a combined exhibition showcasing the recipients for both the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will take place at The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from Monday, November 18 to Sunday, November 24.
Interviews with representatives of the BC Achievement Foundation and award recipients are available upon request. A media kit, including awardee bios and high-resolution images, can be found here.
For more information about the BC Achievement Foundation and the Polygon Award in First Nations Art program, please visit www.bcachievement.com.
The Polygon Award in First Nations Art is made possible through the generosity of Vancouver-based Polygon Homes. The BC Achievement Foundation is also grateful to supporting sponsor TD, and community partners BC Ferries, Denbigh Fine Art Services, and The Roundhouse each of which play a key role in elevating change in their support of the First Nations Art Award program.
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About BC Achievement
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. In addition to the Polygon Award in First Nations Art, the organization presents several established programs, including the Indigenous Business Award, the Applied Art + Design Award, the Community Award and in partnership with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the BC Reconciliation Award. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
Media Contacts
Gemma Bishop
Gather Public Relations
T: 604-375-6953
E: gemma@gatherpublicrelations.com
Rup Grewal, Communications Director
BC Achievement Foundation
T: 604-261-9777 (Ext 102)
E: rup@bcachievement.com
2024 Award Recipient Backgrounders
Stephanie Anderson
Witsuwit’en, Terrace
Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist
Stephanie Anderson, a member of the Likhsilyu “Small Frog” clan of the Witsuwit’en Nation, has ancestral ties to Kwin Begh Yikh, the “House beside the Fire”. Living on Tsimshian territory in Terrace, BC, she began her fine arts education in 2009 at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, studying under master carver Ken McNeil. After returning to the school to teach from 2020 to 2023, she has continued her studio practice in Terrace, BC.
Her first totem pole, Holding Our Children Close, was raised in 2021, inspired by the discovery of missing children at Kamloops Residential School. Stephanie also curated Northern Indigenous Perspectives at the Smithers Art Gallery and served on the Skeena Salmon Arts Society board. Through projects like the mural At the Heart, she honours Indigenous culture and lost lives, contributing to public art and reconciliation in her community.
Kelly Cannell
Musqueam, Vancouver
Kelly Cannell has been immersed in art from a young age, working alongside her mother, renowned artist, Susan Point. Starting at just 12, she learned the traditional and contemporary imagery of the Musqueam people, mastering the art of storytelling through her work. Kelly continuously explores and pushes the boundaries of Coast Salish and Musqueam art, blending traditional forms with non-traditional materials and scales.
Her unique pieces are highly sought after, featured in private, corporate, and public collections around the world, including across Metro Vancouver. Beyond her artistic achievements, Kelly is deeply committed to philanthropy, generously donating her time and artwork to support environmental and other causes. With a passion for environmental awareness and the connection between all life forms, she uses Coast Salish visual language to honour her ancestors’ teachings and inspire future generations.
Andy Everson
K’omoks, Courtenay
Andy Everson, member of the K’ómoks First Nation with Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw and Tlingit ancestry, is deeply rooted in his culture, actively participating in traditional potlatch ceremonies as a hereditary chief, singer and dancer. Immersed in art from a young age, Andy’s artistic journey began with repainting Mungo Martin’s totem poles, where he was introduced to formline design. His creation of chilkat-style blankets for traditional dance sparked a passion that led to a career spanning over 26 years.
A highly influential figure in Northwest Coast art, Andy skillfully blends ancestral styles with vibrant colors, pop culture, and contemporary themes, engaging new audiences and fostering cultural understanding. His art often serves as a voice for social movements like Idle No More and Every Child Matters. Known for his limited-edition prints and innovative use of media, Andy has also designed coins for the Royal Canadian Mint and explores fashion through Totem Design House, bridging tradition and modernity with profound impact.
James Hart, 7IDANsuu
Haida, Haida Gwaii
Award of Distinction
James Hart, a renowned Haida artist, carver, and Hereditary Chief from Haida Gwaii, was born into the Eagle Clan in 1952. His artistic journey began as an apprentice to the legendary Haida artist Bill Reid, where he honed his skills in carving, sculpture, and jewellery-making.
Rooted in Haida traditions, James’ work explores themes of cultural heritage, spirituality, and the natural world. His monumental totem poles, masks, and sculptures are celebrated for their intricate designs and storytelling, blending traditional Haida art with contemporary perspectives.
Adept in carving, jewellery, and printmaking, James works with silver, gold, and bronze. He is best known for his totem poles, such as The Three Watchmen in Ottawa, housed in collections worldwide. Other significant works include Frog Constellation at Simon Fraser University, restoring an old Haida pole for the Smithsonian in New York, overseeing the construction of the Haida House at the Canadian Museum of History, the carved wall, The Scream Too which stands in the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, BC, and carving the Reconciliation Pole: Honouring a Time Before, During, and After Canada’s Indian Residential Schools, raised at UBC in 2017.
Beyond his artistry, James is deeply committed to preserving Haida culture and environmental stewardship, making him a respected leader in both the artistic and Indigenous communities.
His achievements have been widely recognized, including receiving the Order of British Columbia in 2003, the Order of Canada in 2023, and honorary doctorates from Simon Fraser University and Emily Carr University of Art + Design. James’ contributions have elevated Haida art on the global stage while playing a crucial role in revitalizing and preserving Haida culture for future generations.