Walter Harris (artist) facts for kids
Walter Harris OC (June 10, 1931 – January 12, 2009), also known as Simogyet Geel, was a talented Canadian artist. He was also a hereditary chief from the Gitxsan First Nation. This Indigenous group lives in northwestern British Columbia.
Walter Harris's Life Story
Walter Harris was born in Kispiox to Chris and Clara Harris. In 1957, Walter became the hereditary Chief of the Fireweed Clan. He took on the name Chief Geel, which was passed down from his uncle. His special family symbol, called a crest, was the killer whale.
In the 1960s, Walter worked in a small lumber mill and as a carpenter. During this time, he helped rebuild the village of 'Ksan in Hazelton. This experience inspired him to study art. In 1969, he joined the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art. There, he learned to make jewellery from Jack Leyland. He also learned wood carving from Duane Pasco and Doug Cranmer. He attended workshops on graphic design by Bill Holm. Later, from 1972 to 1985, he became the main carving instructor at the school.
Walter and his wife, Sadie, had five children and twenty grandchildren. His two sons, Rodney and Richard, also became carvers. They worked with their father on many art projects. His sister, Doreen Jensen, was also an artist and worked with him.
In 1978, the Canadian government asked Walter Harris to join the Fine Arts Committee. This group helps choose and buy Indigenous art from all over Canada.
Walter Harris passed away on January 12, 2009.
Amazing Artworks
In the early 1970s, Walter Harris and other carvers from 'Ksan made history. They raised the first traditional totem pole in modern times. A totem pole is a tall, carved monument that tells stories or represents a family's history.
Walter Harris created many other important artworks. He made a wood panel for the Canadian embassy in Paris. He also carved a killer whale out of limestone for the entrance of the House of Commons in Ottawa.
You can find his art in many places, including:
- The Vancouver International Airport
- Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
- Victoria Island in the Ottawa River
- A Westar Sawmill office in Japan
- Four large screens for the Royal Bank of Canada in Vancouver
- Huge red cedar doors for UBC's Museum of Anthropology
- Totem poles in Rochester, New York
- A totem pole in Baltimore, Maryland
- A large killer whale carving for the Vancouver Art Gallery
Awards and Recognition
Walter Harris received several important awards for his art:
- 2005: Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.
- 2003: Governor General's Awards in Visual and Media Arts. This award celebrates excellence in Canadian visual and media arts.
