Outstanding BC First Nations Artists Celebrated

The BC Achievement Foundation presented the 2017 BC Creative Achievement Award for First Nations Art on Tuesday, November 21st at The Roundhouse in Vancouver. An installation of the artists’ work was showcased at the ceremony.

“By honouring the best in First Nations art, we celebrate the inheritance of a rich cultural tradition,” said Scott McIntyre, Foundation Chair. “The 2017 award recipients are exemplary standard-bearers for all BC artists, and provide inspiration for those who will follow.”

Delores Purdaby, a master basketry artist from the Secwepemc-Neskonlith community, received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour bestowed on individuals who have made a profound contribution to their First Nations culture. Dempsey Bob, a master carver, and one of the two inaugural recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award presented Delores with her award.

Following the establishment of the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Award at last year’s presentation ceremony, Danika Naccarella – an emerging Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw and Nuxalk artist – was the inaugural recipient of this award. The award’s namesakes, Brenda Crabtree and Bill McLennan, presented the award to Danika.

The awards, sponsored by Polygon Homes Ltd., are presented by the British Columbia Achievement Foundation. The annual BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations Art celebrate artistic excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art.