Mr. Speaker, Canadians were saddened to learn of the death of Haida artist and sculptor Bill Reid on Friday. Canada has lost not only one of its greatest artists but an inspirational cultural leader among the First Nations people.
For roughly 40 years Mr. Reid created numerous works incorporating traditional Haida Gwaii carvings and designs. He is credited with the revival of Haida art in British Columbia, which coincided with a renewed pride among First Nations people in the province.
Bill Reid brought the rich, proud history and culture of the Haida people to the rest of Canada and to the world. For this we are very grateful.
Mr. Reid's art work is internationally prominent. At the Canadian embassy in Washington, D.C., his Canadian canoe sculpture “Spirit of the Haida Gwaii” is a source of pride to First Nations people, British Columbians and all other Canadians.
Let us remember Bill Reid. I urge Canadians to see his work and take pride in what he has given to all of us.