Northwest coast Native carver, Jarrod Saunders, who hails from the Nuxalk Nation, just released a great tribute to the late Gord Downie.
Jarrod - who also goes by his traditional name 'Nusmata', given to him by his grandfather at a potlatch in 2013 - spoke to us over the phone today from Victoria where he lives and works.
The piece, "In honour of Wicapi Omani. 'Man who walks among the stars'.", is being released as a stretched canvas giclee print. When Nusmata heard that Gord had passed away he wanted to create an homage to him, and the result is not only beautiful but charitable as well; $25 from every print sold will go to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
If you've followed Downie's story, that's the same charity that he sent the proceeds from his project, The Secret Path. They offer a permanent home for all statements, documents, and other materials gathered by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and they'll also soon hold the proof of this Gord Downie print; Nusmata is giving them cash donations from each sale and also the proof print which will go into their collection.
Check out more of Nusmata's art at nusmataart.com, where you can also order a copy of this print. Its dimensions are 12"x28"x1.5" and it goes for $245.
