RAVENSONG
CANOE
SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA
WORLDS TALLEST
TOTEM
The Spirit of Rotary
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The raven was the first symbol and crest of the Northwest Coastal indians. He is the creator's assistant. The mythical bird is a symbol of prestige - a cultural hero. In Tsimshian culture the eagle plays a leadership role. They are
highly respected by all who share their environment. Eagles are loyal and
are great providers for their young. These are truly symbols which represent
the strength and
"Spirit of Rotary" |
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Bill Helin, Tsimshian indian Artist
Bill is of the Tsimshian Nation. His grandfather, Henry William Helin, was chief of the Gitlan Tribe near the city of Port Simpson. Bill and his family moved to Vancouver Island in 1973 where he graduated from high school, winning the Michael Gregory Art Scholarship in 1979. He has since graduated from K'san College of British Columbia and The Institute of Gemology of America in Santa Monica, California. He is considered a master jeweller, painter and sculptor. His hand-carved gold and silver jewelry and fabulous paintings have been enjoyed internationally. In 1994, Bill and a group of his friends built a Tsimshian canoe which will be on permanent display at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach. The centre was named after Bill's "Ravensong Canoe". The canoe was carved out of a forty-foot long and six-foot wide cedar log. It was traditionally painted and paddled from Nanoose to Victoria for the Queen's Baton Regatta during the Commonwealth Games. Recently, Bill has designed the crests worn by the astronauts of the Columbia Mission in July 1996. Bill has provided NASA with Gold pendants used for testing at zero gravity. Bob Thirsk, a Canadian astronaut, wore a crest personally designed for him by Bill. The city of Parksville is extremely proud of Bill's accomplishments.
We look forward to what the future will bring. |
