BC First Nations Artists Honoured

The six recipients of the fourth annual BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations’ Art were honoured by Premier Gordon Campbell and Keith Mitchell, chair of the British Columbia Achievement Foundation.

“Through their work in the areas of weaving, painting, carving and jewellery, these artists reflect the cultural significance of the arts of the First Nations in British Columbia,” said Premier Campbell. “These awards pay tribute to the incredible cultural heritage of B.C.’s First Nations and help to continue an extraordinary legacy in which all British Columbians can take pride.”

“The BC Creative Achievement Awards are the most prestigious awards for First Nations’ Art in British Columbia,” said Mitchell. “This year’s recipients join 19 artists recognized since 2007, and represent the excellence and diversity of First Nations’ art in the province.”

The BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations’ Art are presented by Polygon Homes Ltd. Michael Audain, chairman of Polygon Homes Ltd., expressed Polygon’s commitment to sponsoring these awards acknowledging the importance and the role of First Nations’ artists of British Columbia. “Polygon is honoured to have prominent First Nations’ artwork within our residential communities,” said Audain.

Rena Point Bolton of Terrace, a Sto:lo artist, was named the recipient of the 2010 Lifetime Creative Achievement Award for First Nations’ Art in recognition of her lifelong contributions in the areas of weaving and basketry. This award recognizes First Nations’ artists whose dedication to their work has had a profound impact on both their community and culture.

The five recipients of the juried competition, the BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations’ Art, were:

• Alvin Adkins, Haida, of Vancouver
• Lisa Hageman, Haida, of Massett
• Peter Morin, Tahltan, of Victoria
• Tim Paul, Nuu-chah-nulth, of Port Alberni
• Richard Sumner, Kwakwaka’wakw, of Victoria

The event to celebrate this year’s recipients was sponsored by Vancouver Airport Authority. Each received a $2,500 prize and was granted the use of the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award seal to signify their creative excellence.

The British Columbia Achievement Foundation is an independent foundation established and endowed by the Province of B.C. in 2003 to celebrate community service, arts, humanities and enterprise.