Walter's Totem

Walter's TotemEdition Date: March 2022 Artist: Roy Henry Vickers Medium: Serigraph Image Size: "26. 5 x 8" Edition Size: 80 Story Walter Harris was a great example to many artists. His dedication to his craft was inspirational. When I went to the Ksan School of Northwest Coast Indian art back in the 1970s Walter inspired me; he was one of the leaders who helped build Ksan historical village and the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art. In 2004 I moved

Story

Walter Harris was a great example to many artists. His dedication to his craft was inspirational. When I went to the Ksan School of Northwest Coast Indian art back in the 1970’s Walter inspired me; he was one of the leaders who helped build Ksan historical village and the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art.

In 2004 I moved back to Hazelton and renewed my friendship with Walter and his family. I was honored to be adopted in a formal ceremony in the feast house by Simogyet Qeel, Walter’s Gitxsan Chiefly name. I became a brother and am proud to say I am from the House of Qeel in Kispiox, B.C.

Walter Harris left us on January 12, 2009, but he is still with us in many ways. His legacy as an outstanding Canadian artist is left for us to admire. Walter was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2005 for his service to humanity.

I drive to the stand of totems in Kispiox often to remember and admire Walter’s Totem.