Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) OBC

Xwalacktun OBC (born Rick Harry) is a Squamish Nation artist whose works are recognized internationally. Early in 2013, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and in 2012 he received the prestigious honour of the Order of British Columbia (OBC) for his many contributions to various communities. He is also a recipient of the “FANS” Honour Award from the North Vancouver Arts Council which acknowledged his commitments both locally and worldwide.

Xwalacktun’s artwork is featured on the 20-foot tall Squamish Pedestrian overpass spanning Highway 99, The Sea to Sky Highway, plus a red cedar memorial pole for Transport Canada. He created the 10’ by 8’ Double Doors for the Gordon Smith Gallery in the Artists for Kids Building. Xwalacktun designed the 2012 Senior Olympics metal torch as well as Rick Hansen’s 25th Anniversary print which was given to the many communities Mr. Hansen visited in 2011. A multimillion dollar home in Whistler featuring Xwalacktun’s four carved house posts received two Gold Georgie Awards in 2002. We also know him for the numerous and ongoing work he has done with a large number of elementary and secondary schools in seven different districts.

Xwalacktun’s works are seen throughout Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Some widely recognized pieces are: First Nations designs on Vancouver 2010 Olympic wear and various tourist items, carved double doors for B.C. Hydro’s Burnaby and Vancouver locations, 30 outdoor totem poles throughout Scotland, cedar double doors for Harrison Hot Springs Resort’s “Healing Springs Spa,” 2008 and 2009 Nordic World Cup Banners, 2008 medals for the Nordic World Cup Winter Games, elaborate snowboards designed for the First Nations Snowboard team, a metal, brick and glass sculpture in West Vancouver’s Ambleside Park (entitled Snam Smanit).

Xwalacktun collaborated with three artists in Beijing on work for the Canada Pavilion. He also designed the 2010 Olympic Bid Box lid and created the initial 2010 winter sports icons for the Olympic Bid Book. Recent significant works can be seen at the West Vancouver Community Centre (30-foot conference room panel), Whistler’s Peak to Peak building (welcome figure), University of Victoria (double doors), Capilano University (Chancellor’s mace), Emily Carr University (mace and two outdoor house posts) and West Vancouver Secondary School (welcome carving). Xwalacktun is an accomplished artist in wood, paper, stone, glass and metals.

Healing, growth and raising an awareness of the environment are central themes in Xwalacktun’s work. By focusing on how the traditional stories relate to his own life, he suggests to us how to use this ancient knowledge to help heal ourselves and our community. The giving out of positive energy and seeing it come back through the young people is the reward that continues to feed his spirit so that he can give back to others.

Xwalacktun was born and raised in Squamish. He carries with him the rich ancestries of his father (Squamish Nation) and mother (Kwakwakw'wakw Nation) of the Coast Salish clans. His father, Pekultn, carried a hereditary chieftainship from Seymour Creek in North Vancouver. He would like to acknowledge Capilano College and Emily Carr College of Art for teaching him the skills to have a start in his career. His endurance and commitment through trial and error helped propel him forward as an artist. He is currently working on double doors for West Vancouver School District, plus working on a 16-foot metal piece for the Audain Art Museum in Whistler and a stone sculpture for the Spirit Trail.

Website: www.xwalacktun.ca