Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun

Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun has had his paintings shown in major galleries and collections across the world including the National Gallery of Canada. A graduate of the Emily Carr College of Art, Yuxweluptun grew up in a home where politics was an integral part of daily life, his father being the founder of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and his mother was Executive Director of the Indian Homemakers Association of BC. Yuxweleptun decided at a young age that he preferred to use art as the basis for continuing the dialogue with Canadians about his beliefs and his concerns for the environment and the struggle aboriginal people face in demanding their rights. Although Yuxweluptun's video from 2003, Shooting the Indian Act, continues to stir controversy to this day, he is probably best known for his paintings; Scorched earth, Clear Cut Logging and Killer Whale Has a Vision and Caution! You Are Entering a Free State of Mind Zone.
Ken Rockburn spoke to Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun at his studio in Vancouver.