2008 Recipients

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you



Many thanks to Cathi Charles Wherry, Arts Program Coordinator, of the First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council who provided tremendous assistance in the establishment of the award.

BC Creative Lifetime Achievement Award For Aboriginal Art