For longer than we can imagine people have called this land home. Long before Europeans came to these lands it was known by many names, each First Nation had a name and unique culture that told stories of how they found themselves as stewards of these lands. When you look around there is so much culture to witness, tradition jewelry, totem poles that tells stories of their past and the commitment to the future with the vibrate colours and symbols depicted. But the Elders are getting old, and the stories can only survive with an audience to receive and understand the messages that risk being lost forever if we don’t act!
Here is your opportunity to open your eyes and soul at the Bill Reid Gallery in downtown Vancouver! It features major works of art by world-famous Haida artist Bill Reid a celebrated, sculptor, author and journalist. You also get to witness the unique artistic talents of other West Coast First Nations artists. The gallery has an exceptional collection of West Coast art to ignite your passion to keep going on this wonderful journey of discovery to connect to our First-Nation roots as a country. The collection includes Indigenous masks, bronze works, wood carvings, paintings, gold jewelry and other mediums. There are a couple of short films to watch, and the main exhibit changes every six months with a variety of contemporary works by other Northwest Coast artists to keep you coming back for more.
Once you are done at the Bill Reid Gallery you can continue to view Bill Reid’s works at the Vancouver Aquarium’s fountain sculpture outside called Chief of the Undersea World. Also, on display at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology the Raven and the First Men. According to Haida legend, the Raven found himself alone one day on Rose Spit beach, on Haida Gwaii. Where he saw a marvellous clamshell, and protruding from it were small creatures. The Raven coaxed them to leave the shell to join him in his incredible world. They emerged from the clamshell to become the first Haida. The Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Black Canoe, is a boat sculpture on display in Washington, DC at the Canadian Embassy also featured on some Canadian $20 bills.
The gallery is open daily from May until September, the rest of the year, it’s closed Sundays and Mondays. Hours during the summer months are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and in the winter months from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Located at 639 Hornby Street. It’s across the street from the Burrard Street SkyTrain Station.
So, what are you waiting for? Expand on your culture and get inspired by Bills works today!
Brian Smith
bsmith288@my.bcit.ca