First Nations, Inuit and Metis

I have a reverence for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people because of their connection to the earth, their respect for those who came before them, the way they learn from the lives of their elders, their respect for the animals that feed them, their humour, their strong sense of community, and the importance of tradition and ceremonies.

My involvement began in 2008 when I was commissioned to create fifteen masks in honour of artists, administrators and volunteers for the 20th anniversary of the Great Northern Art Festival. One of the best things to come of this experience is that I have made lifelong friendships with some wonderful Inuit, First Nations and Metis artists.

In 2013 I was able to spend a year in the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nations village of Old Crow - a settlement of about 250 inhabitants that lies 120 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It is the northern most community in Yukon, fly-in only, with a history that dates back thousands of years.

The year I spent in Old Crow was life changing for me in many ways - the weather, experiencing 24 hours of darkness and daylight, witnessing the Caribou migration and being the recipient of the constant kindness of the Vuntut Gwitchin people. And one other thing - I finally found out the reason I am bald from an elder who told me I was too tall for my hair!

Below is a selection of works that have been created over the years and are all now in private collections.

This is the link to a YouTube video that captures the 2012 unveiling of a bronze bust created in memory of Inuit carver Simon Tookoome. https://youtu.be/Im3hQhConEQ