The BC Achievement Foundation has announced this year’s recipients of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually, the program celebrates First Nations artistic traditions while creating a platform for community engagement, mentorship, and storytelling.
“All of us at BC Achievement Foundation are delighted to recognize the four 2022 recipients of the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art. Their work ranges widely, inspiring us with new visions while building on deep traditions,” said Anne Giardini, OC, OBC, KC, Chair of the BC Achievement Foundation. “This year’s awardees join almost 90 artists from the Award’s past 16 years. Fulmer Award alumni show us this year and every year that British Columbia is a place where artistic innovation and creativity are second to none anywhere in the world.”
The Fulmer Award honours First Nations artists in BC who have demonstrated a commitment to their practice, accumulated a body of work, and are recognized in their communities for their craft. The Award is presented by BC Achievement, an independent foundation that honours excellence and inspires achievement throughout the province.
The 2022 recipients, chosen by an independent jury, are:
Jamie Gentry – Kwakwaka’wakw, Sooke – Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist
Latham Mack – Nuxalk, Kamloops
Qwul’thilum Dylan Thomas – Lyackson First Nation, Victoria Reg Davidson – Haida, Masset – Award of Distinction for Lifetime Achievement
The jury was comprised of Nathan Wilson, Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry and 2020 recipient; Shawn Hunt, Heitsuk and 2011 recipient; Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, Cheam First Nation and 2018 recipient. Connie Watts, Associate Director, Aboriginal Programs, Emily Carr University of Art + Design and artist of Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan and Kwakwaka’wakw ancestry and Brenda Crabtree, Director, Aboriginal Programs, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, a member of the Spuzzum Band with both Nlaka’pamux and Sto:lo ancestry, served as advisors.
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that celebrates the spirit of excellence in our province and serves to honour the best of British Columbia. In addition to the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art, the organization presents several established programs, including the Indigenous Business Award and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design. By recognizing the accomplishments of our province’s entrepreneurs, artists, community leaders, youth and volunteers, BC Achievement’s award programs pay tribute to exceptional people, doing exceptional work, while carving a path forward for others to follow.
This year’s celebration of the 2022 Fulmer Award in First Nations Art recipients includes a series of short films showcasing each awardee’s artistic accomplishments which will be premiered at an award ceremony next month. Each recipient will receive a certificate and medallion in honour of their achievements. They will also be recognized through an online campaign with the hashtag #shinethelightbc.
BC Achievement is proud to present a combined exhibition showcasing the 2022 award recipients for both the Fulmer Award in First Nations Art and the Carter Wosk Award in Applied Art + Design taking place at The Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre in Vancouver from Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18 which is free and open to the public.