Award Category: First Nations Art Award

John Marston is a young Salish artist who over the past fifteen years has become one of BC’s most important new First Nations’ artists. A carver schooled in traditional practices, John has developed his own style of carving that reflects the legends and stories of the Coast Salish people. His outstanding work in bent boxes shows imagination and attention to detail. John’s belief in the importance of cross-cultural experiences has taken him on travels to Papua, New Guinea and Japan. And at home, John is establishing a workshop for young First Nations’ artists.

Noeleen McQuary, who resides on the shore of Fraser Lake, is a master basket maker working with birch bark and spruce roots. Noeleen learned this ancient art form of the Interior Dakelh from her mother and grandmother who instilled in her the spiritual principles related to the harvesting and making of baskets. Among Noeleen’s accomplishments is the building of an 18-foot birch bark canoe, now part of the McLeod Lake Band Cultural Centre and one currently under construction funded through the Aboriginal Arts Development Awards to teach youth the traditional art form of birch bark canoe making. Noeleen is committed to educating others, including her daughter, about her craft and its historical traditions. Noeleen has created baskets for many galleries and private collectors.

A master carver, Richard Hunt works in wood, paper, canvas and precious metals, creating art pieces that are influenced by his Kwa-gulth culture and tradition. His work in totems, drums, masks, prints and bowls can be found in public and private collections and galleries around the world. Richard began carving with his father at the age of 13, later following in his father’s footsteps as chief carver in the Thunderbird carving program at the BC Provincial Museum. Richard designed the medals for the Pan Am Games held in Victoria and participated in the design and carving of the Queen’s Baton for the Commonwealth Games. Richard is a generous supporter of his community through contributions of his work for worthy causes. For his contributions to First Nations’ art and to his community, Richard has been appointed a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia and has been elected to the Royal Academy of Arts.

Earl Muldon, 73 years old, is from the Beaver-Eagle Clan. His many widely exhibited works include: large totem poles, masks, bentboxes, spoons, rattles, bowls, house fronts, limited edition prints, original paintings, gold and silver jewellery including repousse. Earl is a master carver in the Northwest Coast tradition and has undertaken both jointly and individually some of the largest commissions for Aboriginal art in North America, including a major totem pole restoration/replication project for the Gitanyow (Kitwancool) Hereditary Chiefs. He instructed at ‘Ksan (Kitanmaax) School from 1969-84. The carved entry doors for the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia are just one example of his many important works. Earl is Hereditary Chief of the House of Delgamuukw.

The striking designs and meticulous bending, carving and painting techniques reflect the strong influence of Bruce Alfred’s cultural roots. Bruce specializes in traditional masks, poles, rattles and bentwood boxes. His work is showcased in numerous private collections and has been exhibited at the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Museum of Anthropology. Bruce has been part of a team of artists who rebuilt the Alert Bay Big House and who created a Northwest Coast village in the Netherlands.

Charles Elliott creates work of the highest calibre, that reflects his personal style and is characterized by the Salish art discipline. He is a master carver whose work spans bowls, masks, doors, talking sticks, house posts and totem poles. Among his many commissions are a 28-foot totem pole for the University of Victoria, a 15-foot pole for Otaki, Japan, a Queen’s Baton Design and Gold Medal design for the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria. He is exhibited widely locally and internationally.

Daniel Tom blends traditional and contemporary ideas and materials. He works with wood, natural materials from the wilderness, salvaged materials and discarded technology, resulting in his series of display weapons entitled “Tribal Connections”. This series honours animals and First Nations tribes and represents powerful statements about the inextricable linkages between humans, animals, and their environment, their struggles and the balance and perspective required for survival. Daniel’s work was recently displayed at the Kamloops Art Gallery.

Debra Sparrow’s beautiful weavings are based on the ancient traditions of the Coast Salish. As an artist and researcher, Debra creates wearable ceremonial art in the form of blankets, robes and dresses and also designs clothing with a Coast Salish texture and pattern that is fashionable and contemporary. Her commissions are found around North America including in many museums, galleries, and private collections. Most recently, Debra was commissioned to create two wearable blankets for the UBC Faculty of Education’s 75th anniversary.

Reg Davidson’s work as a carver exemplifies the highest standards of technical expertise and innovation. He creates unique large and small cedar sculptures, carved masks, large poles and helmets as well as silk-screen prints, gold and silver jewelry, and painted drums. As a dancer, Reg brings his personal experience to the carving of his masks. He is recognized internationally having participated in many exhibitions, both in private galleries and public exhibitions.|