Ronnie Dean Harris: Q ∑ta:yθ n
Title: Q ∑ta:yθ n
Artist: Ronnie Dean Harris - Tsleil-Waututh (səl̓ilwətaɁɬ)
Curated by: Roxanne Charles - Semiahmoo
Year: 2018
Event: Vancouver Mural Festival
Mural Info:
Details: The headwaters of False Creek, east of Main Street towards Clark Drive, was at one time a great mudflat, much like a great circular pool in the forest-clad hills surrounding, now filled in. Sturgeon or q ∑ta: yθ n were once fished in these mud flats and were referred to as 'sister' when handling them. This tradition follows a story of a sister who loved the water so much, she was transformed into the sturgeon to help future generations.
About Ronnie Dean Harris:
Ronnie Dean Harris aka Ostwelve, is a Stō:lo/St’át'imc/Nlaka'pamux multimedia artist based in Langley, BC. He got his start with professional graphic design at the age of 14 and in the same year, he began co-hosting the "When Spirits Whisper" radio show along side Gunargie O'Sullivan on CO-OP Radio 100.5 FM (formerly 102.7 FM).
Over the years, he has worked on number of media projects, as an actor and composer for APTN/Showcase dramatic series "Moccasin Flats" for two seasons as a performer and a lead character, and in the subsequent film project "Moccasin Flats: Redemption" in 2007. He was a Content Manager + Contributor to Revolutions Per Minute - RPM.FM, an Indigenous Music Culture website where he also hosted a podcast. Ronnie is featured in the National Film Board musical documentary “The Road Forward”, and the Knowledge Network's “Looking At Edward Curtis”, both directed by Marie Clements. He is currently performing as the voice of “Dad/Walter” on upcoming PBS series “Molly Of Denali”.
Ronnie has also been very active in creating and facilitating workshop programs for youth in media arts and hip-hop. Currently he is working as the Program Director for “Reframing Relations” with the Community Arts Council of Vancouver delivering programming for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to interface with students and youth in schools and communities around the concept of reconciliation.
As an organizer, Ronnie has contributed to various organizations over recent years including the Working Group For Indigenous Food Sovereignty, Wild Salmon Caravan, Wild Salmon Defenders Alliance, Indigenous Climate Action and other related organizations and actions.
As an independent researcher, Ronnie has worked on various portfolios that include Indigenous cosmologies, ethnography, archival audio, historiographies and musicologies.
Vancouver Mural Festival’s Indigenous Programs supports artists and organizations in the creation of public art and workshops for youth. We believe Coast Salish and other Indigenous artists have the power to reshape urban spaces by reflecting their contemporary and traditional values, stories, experiences, and ideas in this lasting and tangible way.
Vancity’s generous support enables us to better connect the stories of these programs with the public. Below you will find information in the form of videos, pictures, interviews, articles, and more.
Note: Our definition of Indigenous includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
