Rick Harry, a Squamish Nation artist and West Vancouver resident, was awarded the Order of B.C. in a ceremony honouring 14 exemplary British Columbians on Thursday (Sept. 6) in Victoria.

Harry, who also goes by the Squamish Nation name Xwalacktun, was born and raised in Squamish. He went on to study at Emily Carr College of Art and Design and Capilano College. He has had a 30-year career as an artist and cultural ambassador. His work in wood, glass and steel can be found at the entrance to Ambleside Park, on the doors of the Capilano Reserve’s new recreation centre, and the Squamish Nation’s council table.

Harry has been commissioned to create carvings by galleries in New York and New Hampshire, and has been featured on television programs, including Sesame Street. For the past 10 years, Harry has regularly travelled to Scotland to teach totem pole carving.

— North Shore News