Vancouver, B.C., May 26, 2010 - Following a whirlwind of 2010 Olympic activity, Tsimshian artist Bill Helin continues to break new ground. Bill's 12-metre war canoe, Ravensong, carved from a 540-year-old cedar tree from the Stikine Valley, was the centerpiece of the the Klahow-ya Village at the Pan Pacific Hotel during the 2010 Olympics. The Klahow-ya exhibit was organized by the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia.

An article in the Vancouver Sun quoted Bill commenting at the time that "The beauty of the canoe is it has always been a family affair. We repainted it [for its journey to the 2010 Olympics], and the whole family kicked in to help. It was wonderful to see my mom with her grandchildren working on the canoe." For some reason, the sight of moving the canoe into the Pan Pacific Hotel caught international press attention and stories and photos of the event went viral in the global media. (For Shaw Cable coverage of the event click here.)

Earlier in May of this year Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk and Danish Cosmonaut Frank Dewinna visited the Nanaimo museum. At this event Bill was acknowledged for designing the second crew patch  for Dr. Thirsk. This followed the STS-78 Columbia Space Shuttle Crew patch that Bill was commissioned to design in 1996. (Click here, here or here for more information.)

Recently Bill was named the Vancouver Board of Trade's Tsimshian artist-in-residence--a post with a three year term. The Board of Trade is one of the largest business organizations in B.C. with over 100 years of history. One of Bill's very first honours for the Board was to carve the walking stick for recent visit of former American President Bill Clinton. This was presented by the Board to President Clinton on May 20, 2010 at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts.

As Bill is moves forward with many new and exciting endeavors, one thing is sure: the Tsimshian artist and will continue to make a positive impact on the local and national stage.

-30-