Emily Carr University is delighted to share news that alumni Xwalacktun (’82) and Luke Parnell (MAA ’12) have been awarded BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations Art. This annual award celebrates artistic excellence in traditional, contemporary or media art.

“These 2016 award recipients, continue a tradition of excellence in First Nations Art that the Foundation has had the privilege of honouring over the past decade. We thank Polygon Homes, its Chair, Michael Audain, and its President, Neil Chrystal, for their tremendous commitment and support of the BC Creative Achievement Awards for First Nations Art.”
Keith Mitchell, BC Achievement Foundation Chair

Emily Carr Honorary Doctorate recipient Susan Point, a Coast Salish artist from Musqueam, will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour bestowed on individuals who have made a profound contribution to their First Nations culture.

2016 Recipients:

Corrine Hunt – Kwakiutl / Komoyue
Maxine Matilpi – Ma’mtagila / Tlowitsis
Corey W. Moraes – Lax Kw’alaams
Luke Parnell – Nisga’a / Haida
Xwalacktun – Coast Salish / Squamish / Kwakwaka’wakw

Members of the jury panel included: world renowned carver and teacher Stan Bevan; Aboriginal Program Director at Emily Carr University, Brenda Crabtree; the Museum of Anthropology’s Curator Emeritus, Bill McLennan; and celebrated curator and artist, Tania Willard.