George Littlechild

Heffel Auction House Biography and Notes

George Littlechild was born in 1958 in Edmonton. His mother, Rachel Littlechild was a Plains Cree member of the Erminskin Nation in Alberta and his father, James E. Price was of Scottish and Micmac descent from New Brunswick. George Littlechild’s interest in his heritage led him to explore his past in order to better understand the sociopolitical issues related to his people including the Reserve system and Residential schooling. Known for creating culturally rich imagery and his use of high-chroma colour, George Littlechild is recognized as one of the foremost First Nations artists working in Canada today. He is also the author and illustrator of three children’s books including the award-winning publication This Land is My Land. His work is included in several collections, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. George Littlechild came to Vancouver and worked with students as an artist in residence at Artists for Kids’ Paradise Valley Summer School of Visual Art in 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2011. This serigraph was created in honour of his ancestors and the Plains Cree people. It is dedicated to the Chiefs’ legacy and stamina in maintaining culture, pride and tradition during a time of historic cultural upheaval. Established in 1989 by renowned BC artist-patrons Gordon Smith, Jack Shadbolt and Bill Reid, Artists for Kids was founded with the singular intent to support children, their art education and their future. Through art specialists, it provides enriching art-making experiences for thousands of students each year across Canada as well as professional development opportunities for educators. In 1990, the group published the first Artists for Kids Limited Edition Portfolio print, Xhuwaji / Haida Grizzly. This print by Reid, based on a ceremonial drum, marked the beginning of an extraordinary partnership with now more than 100 Canadian artists—from Kenojuak Ashevak to Ian Wallace—that has produced one of the most significant limited edition collections in the country. Proceeds from the sale of prints fund educational programs, artist residencies, art camps, scholarships, bursaries, and future acquisitions for Artists for Kids and the Gordon Smith Gallery Permanent Collection. Please note: this work is unframed. To visit the Artists for Kids website please click here.