Harris, Walter (1931 - 2009)

Culture/Community

Gitxsan (Kispiox)

Biography

Walter Harris was a hereditary Chief of Kispiox in the Fireweed Clan. He worked in wood, silver, gold, and produced silkscreens. He enrolled in the 'Ksan art school in 1969 and was eventually named Senior Instructor of Wood Sculpture at 'Ksan. He was appointed to the Fine Arts committee of Canada in 1978. His work has found its way to all parts of the world and includes a high relief stone sculpture located above the entry to the House of Commons in Ottawa; wall sized panel murals in the Canadian Embassy in Paris; a 35' pole in Baltimore; a 40' pole honoring America's Bicentennial located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park; and a housepost in the First Nations House of Learning at UBC. He was one of the carvers who produced the Museum's 'Ksan front door panels (now in the lobby).