Artist Info
Chief Walter Harris
Hereditary Chief Walter Harris was an educator, carver, and printmaker of the Gitxsan Fireweed Clan. His work utilizes imagery of fireweed, killer whales, and eagles among other Gitxsan subjects. Harris’ work explored what would later be known as the distinct ‘Ksan Style of Northwest Coast Art. He studied at ‘Ksan Historical Village’s Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Art in 1969, where he learned from such artists as Doug Cranmer, Duane Pasco, Robert Davidson, and Freda Diesing. Harris took on the role of senior instructor of wood sculpture at the school for a number of years following his studies. In the early 1970s, Harris built and raised the first traditional totem pole of modern times at ‘Ksan with the help of other Gitxsan carvers.
Harris’ work was commissioned and collected internationally. He was awarded the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts in 2003 and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005.
