April 22, 2000 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia will be officially unveiling and exhibiting some significant pieces of First Nations art during the Retain 2000 conference next week. The art exhibition and reception will begin at noon on Thursday, April 27, in the Atrium of the Administration Building. The University has recently received a number of significant works:

• Ray Anderson, a former Canadian High Commissioner, has donated 165 pieces of Inuit art, including prints and sculptures.
  
  
• Ten fabric banners (measuring about 6.5' x 3' each), featuring the artwork of Haida artist Bill Reid, have been donated by the Bill Reid Studio Gallery, Dr Martine Reid.
  
  
• Hazelton artist Ron Sebastian has recently completed two carved and painted doors for the UNBC Senate Chamber. The doors depict many northern BC clan symbols.
  
  
• Former Terrace doctor Kwadwo Asante (who received the distinction Friend of the University in 1994) has donated a 6' x 3' carved red cedar panel entitled Beaver Woman. The panel was carved by Nisga'a artist Virgil Stanley and Gitxsan artist Shirley Stanley.

Some of the donated artwork will be displayed during the event and there will be presentations from some of the donors/artists. Media are welcome to attend.

The Retain 2000 conference at UNBC is the first international conference dedicated to improving the retention and graduation rates of indigenous peoples in colleges and universities. Participants will be attending from Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The conference runs from April 28-30 on campus with a Youth Day scheduled for April 27.