Award Category: First Nations Art Award

While growing up, Kwakwaka’wakw artist Rande Cook was drawn to the traditional art forms of his people and was especially connected to the ceremonial masks and art of the potlatch. Apprenticed to master carver John Livingston, Cook honed his carving skills focusing primarily on the northern tribes of Vancouver Island. After completing college, Cook immersed himself in jewellery making, creating unique pieces while maintaining the traditional motifs of his heritage. Cook continues to explore the ancient fundamentals of form while simultaneously striving for diversity and originality.

Ya’Ya Heit started carving in 1973 under the mentorship of his uncle, Walter Harris. While an apprentice, Ya’Ya attended the Kitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art. After graduation, he was asked to become an instructor at the school. Working on his uncle’s commissions, Ya’Ya was soon receiving commissions of his own, often travelling throughout North America and always returning to his home in Kispiox. Internationally recognized for his work, Ya’Ya’s carvings are inspired by his own life and experiences.

A Nuu-chah-nulth artist, born on Meares Island, Joe David is among the most respected master artists of the Northwest Coast. After studying art at various institutions, Joe began to focus intensively on Northwest Coast art and, eventually, on the Nuu-chah-nulth style. Drawn by the spiritual essence within his culture, which directed his path in art-making, Joe deftly applies his creative skills to multiple mediums including wood, bronze, paper and metals. Today, Joe’s work is represented in museums and private collections, locally, nationally and internationally – he continues to lecture on Northwest Coast art and enthusiastically participate in contemporary ceremonies.

Haida artist Ben Davidson draws upon his knowledge of traditional Haida design and craftsmanship to create unique contemporary pieces. Ben is a member of a long line of respected Haida artists with whom he has apprenticed or studied including his father, Robert and his uncle Reg. Finely carved jewellery, cedar masks and panels, paper and forton casts and totem poles are all part of his practice. Ben’s work is shows at his gallery in Skidegate and in BC’s major galleries.

A member of the Wuikinuxv Nation, Bracken is a graduate of the Enowkin Centre of Indigenous Art in Penticton and Emily Carr University of Art & Design in Vancouver. He is a multi-disciplinary artist who began first working in theater and performance prior to transitioning to digital-media and visual arts. Of Bracken, it has been said, the represents a new face of Aboriginal art in Canada with his ability to move between traditional and contemporary media with ease.

Textile artist and weaver Meghann O’Brien was born in Alert Bay of Haida, Kwak-waka’waka and Irish ancestry. Megahann’s robes and baskets are intricate and labour intensive and reflect her commitment to working with materials from the earth: bark, roots, wool and sinew. Meghann has worked with master weavers such as Tismishian artist William White and Haida artist Sherri Dick.

Philip Gray is known for his innovation that combines his creative style with the traditions of his Tsimshian roots. He works in cedar, alder and boxwood creating masks, sculptures, panels, poles and drums. His attention to detail and his understanding of the rules of design and color are hallmarks of his work. Philip’s work is shown at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington, the Bill Reid Gallery, the McMichael collection and major galleries in the Pacific Northwest.

The work of Coast Salish carver and designer Thomas Cannell reflects his respect and love for his Salish roots and the natural evolution of his people. Thomas works and lives on the Musqueam Reserve and has studied under and been mentored by his mother, Susan Point. He currently works on large-scale public art works in many different mediums with Susan and on his own. Thomas’ public art pieces are shown in Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster.

Born in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Alvin was inspired at a young age to carve totem poles and ceremonial items in yellow cedar, using traditional Nuxalk art forms. Following graduation from the ‘Ksan School of Northwest Coastal Art where he graduated top of his class in 1985, Alvin returned to Bella Coola immersing himself in the culture of his ancestors while teaching himself to engrave gold and silver jewellery. A leading force in the reawakening of Nuxalk culture through his art projects, Alvin currently teaches at the Acwsaltca School. Working in several mediums, his work has been shown throughout the world.