XWALACKTUN

“Every building block of artwork is significant in First Nations traditions. There are four Coast Salish eyes outlined in this design. The number four represents the four directions, the four elements, the four stages of life and the four seasons. The number four is considered sacred. There are also four main components in my design.

The first component, the Thunderbird, is the Creator who oversees the land. It represents the Coast Salish people and all of those beyond. The salmon, the second component, is very sacred to us as it is our main staple. It is significant not only for humans but also for animals and the health of the environment. The bear and eagle who eat the salmon leave its bones to nourish the land. The third component is water; the giver of life. Water needs to continually be protected for the generations to come. In the sky, the fourth component, you will find watchful eyes because we must be mindful and respectful of the air. These two elements are closely connected through the water cycle where land water evaporates into the sky and travels to the land again.

This piece beautifully echos that we must look after the sky and the air that we breathe. In our culture we didn’t have a word for “art” since it was a way of life. The way of life was that we lived in a good way so that many many generations after us will have what we have. There are many more future generations who will witness this artwork. My hope is that it will lead to an understanding that we are all connected. We all share the same space in the universe. We all move together with the planet so we need to work together to care for Mother Earth because Mother Earth looks after us.”

–Xwalacktun

Xwalacktun OBC (born Rick Harry) is a Squamish Nation artist whose works are recognized internationally. Some significant awards he have received are: the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Order of British Columbia, Canadian Confederation medal and the “FANS” Honour Award from the North Vancouver Arts Council. These awards acknowledge his many contributions to various communities as well as his commitments both locally and world-wide. Xwalacktun was born and raised in Squamish. He carries with him the rich ancestries of his father’s (Squamish Nation) and mother’s (‘Namgis Nation) of the Coast Salish clans.

Xwalacktun’s works are throughout Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Widely recognized pieces include: First Nations designs for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic wear, The Audain Museum metal pole as well as 34 totem poles throughout Scotland. Recent significant commission works include The Vancouver General Hospital , Vancouver School Board’s 45 foot Truth and Reconciliation Pole in collaboration with James Harry, Whistler’s Peak to Peak welcome figure, Emily Carr University (mace and double doors). Xwalacktun is a respected mentor to many artists and is a highly acclaimed artist in wood, paper, stone, glass and metals.

Xwalacktun received the Georgie Award 2002, F.A.N.S Award 2005, Order of British Columbia 2012, Queens Di- amond Jubilee Award 2013, BC Achievement Award 2016 and the Arthur G. Hayden Medal at the 31st Annual International Bridge Conference Awards.