Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme)

 Carey Newman or Hayalthkin’geme is a multi-disciplinary artist and master carver. Through his father he is Kwakwak’awakw from the Kukwekum, Giiksam, and WaWalaby’ie clans of Fort Rupert, and Coast Salish from Cheam of the Sto:lo Nation along the upper Fraser Valley. Through his mother he is English, Irish, and Scottish. In his artistic practice, he strives highlight either Indigenous, social, or environmental issues.  He is also interested in engaging with community and incorporating socially innovative practice into his artistic process. Carey’s most recent major work, the Witness Blanket, made of items collected from Residential Schools, Government Buildings and Churches across the Canada, deals with the subject of Reconciliation. 

In 2008, Carey was selected as the master carver of the Cowichan 2008 Spirit Pole, a journey that saw him travel the province of BC sharing the carving experience of carving a 20’ totem with over 11,000 people. In 2009, Carey was selected from a national call to artists by VANOC and won the right to create a large installation. His piece entitled “Dancing Wind”, featured during the 2010 Olympic Games, consisted of 4 large panels, made from stainless steel, cedar and glass. He has done work for corporations, government agencies and museums around the world. Recently appointed as the Audain Professor of Contemporary Art Practice of the Pacific Northwest at the University of Victoria, Carey is continually grateful for the opportunity to explore new ideas.

Carey was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 and was named to the Order of British Columbia in 2018.