Federal honor lifts spirits

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Walter E. Harris, renowned master carver and hereditary chief of the Gitskan Nation, has been named an officer of the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada recognizes people who have made a difference to our country. From local citizens to national and international personalities, all Canadians are eligible for our country's highest honor for lifetime achievement.

Walter Harris was born to Chris and Clara Harris in Kispiox. In 1957 Walter received the name Geel, his uncle's name as hereditary chief. Receiving this name and its responsibilities established him as the recognized head chief at Kispiox.

Walter and his wife Sadie have five children, 20 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Walter's two sons, Rodney and Richard, have carried on the carving tradition and have learned and worked with him on several projects.

Throughout the years, numerous select pieces of Walter's have found their way into the collections of well-known authorities of Northwest Coast art from many countries around the world. One significant piece, a limestone killer whale sculpture, is located above the entry to the House of Commons in Ottawa.

Walter also has a totem pole in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and a panel in the Canadian Embassy in Paris.

Walter has worked with many different materials, including stone and wood, precious metals, such as gold and silver, and silk screen. Rodney said his father's favorite material to work with is alder wood.

A highlight of Walter's art career came in 1978 when he was appointed to the Fine Arts Committee of Canada, which selects significant artifacts to be purchased by the federal government.

Harris has overcome personal adversity in his life when he fell victim to a stroke in 1987. The stroke left him paralyzed on one side. Through careful rehabilitation Harris was able to regain full use of his limbs and he began carving again.

Sadly, Harris suffered another stroke in January of this year. He is expected to make a full recovery, and daughter Julie Morrison said being named to the Order of Canada has done much to improve his condition.

There are three levels of the Order of Canada-companion, officer, and member. Officers can use the letters O.C. after their names. Up to 64 appointments of officer can be made each year.