As a prominent cultural institution in Vancouver, the Bill Reid Gallery is dedicated to celebrating the rich artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for contemporary Indigenous art.
At the heart of our Gallery is a remarkable permanent collection that presents the magnificent works of Bill Reid, including monumental works such as Mythic Messengers, white onyx Raven and the First Men, masks and other carvings, works on paper, wire sculptures, and the Raven’s Trove Gallery that showcases Reid’s exquisite jewelry.
In addition to the permanent collection, we curate rotating exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art that offer a dynamic and ever-evolving experience for visitors, allowing them to discover new perspectives, stories, and artistic expressions. These exhibitions are complemented by a range of programs such as artist talks, curatorial tours, and hands-on workshops that help audiences delve deeper into the content.
As a Gallery deeply rooted in community, we welcome Indigenous community partners and performers into our space. We believe in the power of collaboration and cultural exchange, and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a charitable organization registered under the number 867858755 RR0001.
Allison brings a wealth of experience as a senior leader, with over fourteen years of involvement in not-for-profit organizations as well as ten years in the cultural sector. She was formerly the Director of Tides Canada Initiatives where she was responsible for program strategy and operational oversight of a range of Indigenous, environmental and social programs across Canada. Prior to her tenure at Tides Canada, Allison was Manager of Operations and Public Programs at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver.
Aliya Boubard (She/Her) CuratorAliya is a member of Sagkeeng First Nation, located on Treaty 1 Territory in Manitoba. She is Anishinaabe and considers herself a multi-disciplinary artist, exploring photography, drawing, design, and more recently, traditional beading. She recently graduated from the University of Manitoba with her Bachelor of Fine Arts, and is currently attending Simon Fraser University to pursue a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Indigenous Studies. Aliya completed a fellowship at the Manitoba Museum, and has worked and/or volunteered at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. In her time off, she enjoys reading, travelling and working on her own art projects. Aliya is just starting out in her career, but is fascinated by museums, Fine Arts and Indigenous issues, and is excited to further her career as part of the Bill Reid Gallery team. She is looking forward to the future projects that she will take on.
Amelia Rea Assistant CuratorAmelia Rea – Gudanee X̱ ahl Kil Sangaay ‘laas! Gudangee Xahl Kil hinuu dii kya’aang. Amelia
Rea hinuu dii kya’aang asan. Dii Xaadaagang. Dii guudagang. Tsiits
Gid’aans uu dii jingaagang. Gad Gaaywaas sduu, Xaadaa Gwaay
sduu dii isgaagang. Vancouver ahl naangang.
Amelia belongs to the Tsiits Git’anee clan from Old Massett, Haida Gwaii. Amelia is a Haida Nation-based scholar, being immersed in Haida language, singing, dancing, and repatriation all of her life. As a lifelong member of the Haida Repatriation Committee, following the lead of her mom, aunties, and elders; she has spent much of her life in museums, in ceremony or potlatches, conferences, language classes, or across the kitchen table with elders and cultural bearers. This has instilled in her a deep love and passion for her Haida culture, community, and storytelling. Alongside her mom, Amelia has helped create a Haida language mobile app with nearly 6000 phrases in Xaad Kil. A young learner of the Haida language, Amelia is a big advocate for language revitalization and preservation which has given her a great sense of responsibility to bring forward the teachings, stories, and language shared with her to future generations.
Amelia is excited to share her knowledge and experience as a young Haida person with the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art as the Assistant Curator.
Beth Carter is the Associate Curator at the Bill Reid Gallery. Her extensive curatorial career has focused on community involvement and collaboration. From 2009-2015, she worked as Director|Curator at the Nikkei National Museum in Burnaby, BC. Beth was previously Curator of Indigenous Studies with the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta from 1991-2009, where she worked on many exhibitions, including Honouring Tradition: Reframing Native Art and Nitsitapiisinni: Our Way of Life. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge in England. bcarter@billreidgallery.ca
Cheryl Kaka'solas Wadhams Visitor Services & Gallery Shop ManagerCheryl is a member of the ʼNa̱mǥis Nation with connections to the Maʼa̱mtagila, and Mama̱liliḵa̱la Tribes of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Nation and is herself an artist. She has many years of sales and merchandising experience in her own business, as well as working for Lattimer Gallery. She is a double alumni from Langara College and holds a Degree in Aboriginal Studies and a Diploma in Small Business, and her experience includes work with the BC Assembly of First Nations and Native Education College. Cheryl is also an active member of the local Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw Cultural Sharing Group and is participating in a Kwak'wala language program through the First Nations Endangered Language Program at UBC. She hopes to bring fresh, new ideas forward and support the work already accomplished for the Visitors Services and the Gallery Shop. Cheryl is honoured to have the chance to work at the Bill Reid Gallery. cwadhams@billreidgallery.ca
Sara Louie (She/Her) Indigenous Education SpecialistSara Louie is a living member of the Musqueam Indian Band for whom her mother’s paternal father is a descendant of the “people of the river grass”, today known as Musqueam. Her maternal mothers’ family is from the Fraser Valley area also known as Sts’ailes. She received her Bachelor of Education Degree with an Indigenous Specialization from UBC in 2017. She appreciates art and being creative because it allows one to express themselves. She likes how art is a form of healing and lived realities for many of us, and as we find those connections, we strengthen that truth of our very existence. For Sara, art in itself is sometimes a personal and emotional journey, or it can be just that the truth; nothing else; nothing less, nothing more. She chose to work in Education to help teach the truth about Indigenous people across the land because, when it comes to right and wrong or who holds the power, truth is not to be silenced in light of all who and what we have lost.
Daas Sterritt – Xang.ngii Gan Haana (She/Her) Development ManagerDaas is experienced in the non-profit sector, working in business administration and cultural heritage. Briefly studying Business Administration at Capilano University. With an upbringing in tourism and Haida knowledge sharing at the Haida Heritage Centre, she has great experience in leadership, fundraising, operational oversight, and film-production. Daas is from the Taas ‘Laanas people of North-western Haida Gwaii as well as the Naa Saagaas X aayda G aay of Skidegate, from an unbroken matrilineal line spanning thousands of years. She is a proud leader of her nation, and has a great passion for empowering youth and young women. She is also involved in the Learning & Healing, Decolonized Education Committee with elders and knowledge holders of Haida Gwaii, also a new member of the Haida Repatriation Committee. Daas looks forward to bringing her expertise and passion to the Bill Reid Foundation! dsterritt@billreidgallery.ca (Photo: Roberta Aiken Photography)
Antonio De la Torre (He/Him) Marketing SpecialistAntonio is a Digital Marketer and Filmmaker boasting over five years of experience within the advertising and entertainment industries. Originating from Mexico, his professional trajectory reflects a profound dedication to the development of communication strategies, and marketing campaigns tailored to diverse audiences.
In recent years, Antonio has directed his expertise towards collaborating with organizations dedicated to the promotion of cultural, historical, and artistic endeavours. Through partnerships with nonprofits, he has facilitated the expansion of their outreach efforts, enabling them to engage with broader audiences and achieve their respective missions. marketing@billreidgallery.ca
Alecska Divisadero (She/Her) Operations and Venue AdministratorAlecska is a settler originally from France, where she obtained a degree in Business Administration, then pursued a career in photography and video. As a multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary artist, her work has been exhibited, published & screened at various galleries, theatres, and artist-centers in Europe and Canada. Since immigrating to this land, she has also been active in the non-profit sector, primarily in arts organizations. She is honored to be able to put her skills and privileges in support of Indigenous arts and culture. operations@billreidgallery.ca
604.682.3455 ext. 225
