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Bill Reid: The Man. The Legend

  • Jul 30, 2020
  • History
  • 5 minutes read
Each year, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly creates special circulation coins, each marking momentous milestones in our heritage, culture, and values. This year, the 2020 program commences by honouring influential Haida artist and cultural bridge-builder, Iljuwas (Bill Reid).
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Portrait of Bill Reid, c.1976. Painting by Chris Hopkins in 2005. Courtesy of the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Each year, the Royal Canadian Mint proudly creates special circulation coins, each marking momentous milestones in our heritage, culture, and values. This year, the 2020 program commences by honouring influential Haida artist and cultural bridge-builder, Iljuwas (Bill Reid).
Bill Reid at the CBC, c.1950. Courtesy of the CBC. Bill Reid at the CBC, c.1950. Courtesy of the CBC.
Bill Reid reconstructing a section of Haida Village - Photo by Robert Keziere. Courtesy UBC Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada. Bill Reid reconstructing a section of Haida Village - Photo by Robert Keziere. Courtesy UBC Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada.
Reid created more than 1,500 pieces, ranging from from jewelry, to silk-screen prints to the monumental carvings and the sculptures he is best known for today. Photos by Bill McLennan. Courtesy UBC Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada. Reid created more than 1,500 pieces, ranging from from jewelry, to silk-screen prints to the monumental carvings and the sculptures he is best known for today. Photos by Bill McLennan. Courtesy UBC Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver, Canada.