BC Achievement Foundation announces winners of the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art

Haida artist James Hart earns the Award of Distinction

THE BC ACHIEVEMENT Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art. Presented annually by the independent organization, the award highlights outstanding contributions to traditional, contemporary, and media-based First Nations Art, celebrating those who exemplify artistic excellence.

Now in its 18th year, the Polygon Award in First Nations Art recognizes artists who have demonstrated sustained commitment to their craft, amassed a significant body of work, and earned recognition within their communities.

The 2024 recipients, selected by an independent jury, are Terrace-based Wet’suwet’en artist Stephanie Anderson; Vancouver-based Musqueam artist Kelly Cannell; and Courtenay-based K’ómoks artist Andy Everson.

The Award of Distinction, as decided by the BC Achievement board in consultation with community leaders, has been presented to Haida artist James Hart, Chief 7idansuu of Old Massett.

Anderson studied at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, and her first totem pole, Holding Your Children Close, was raised in 2021, inspired by the discovery of missing children at Kamloops Residential School.

Cannell is the daughter of renowned artist Susan Point whose pieces are featured in private, corporate, and public collections around the world.

Everson is a hereditary chief, singer, and dancer who creates chilkat-style blankets for traditional dance and who blends ancestral styles with bold colours, pop culture, and modern themes.

Hart a renowned Haida artist, carver, and hereditary chief from Haida Gwaii who was an apprentice of legendary Haida artist Bill Reid, through whom he honed his skills in carving, sculpture, and jewellery-making.

The 2024 jury members include past awardees Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Maynard Johnny Jr. (Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw), and Lisa Hageman Yahgulanaas (Haida), guided by advisors to the jury Connie Watts (Nuu-chah-nulth, Gitxsan, Kwakwaka’wakw) and Brenda Crabtree (Spuzzum First Nation, Nlaka’pamux, Stó:lō).

The foundation is hosting a ticketed award ceremony and dinner on November 19 at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, where each recipient will be honoured with a short film highlighting their accomplishments.

A combined exhibition showcasing the recipients for both the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design Award will take place at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre from November 18 to 24.

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Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

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