Healing Spirit

Spirit Bears in the City
April - November 2006

Late in 2005, I was approached by the BC Lions Society to paint a bear for the Spirit Bears in the City project. The bear was auctioned off online on November 9, 2006. Monies raised have benefited the BC Lions Society's Easter Seal Services and the Canucks For Kids Fund. This bear was graciously sponsored by Macdonald's Prescriptions #4 in Vancouver. The bear was on display at Broadway and Oak in Vancouver.

Entitled "Healing Spirit," the bear is adorned in clothing befitting such a noble creature. My grandmother’s great-grandmother, Anislaga, brought the chilkat weaving tradition with her when she came to live amongst the Kwakiutl in Fort Rupert. These highly prized garments are worn only by high ranking individuals and those with shamanistic gifts. The design on this tunic represents a bear carrying a person on the back, symbolizing the healing nature of our culture.