The Carving Depicts an Indigenous Origin Story
Selkirk College and the Salmo Watershed Streamkeepers Society (SWSS) are pleased to welcome the Coyote Bringing Us Salmon carving to the college's Castlegar Campus, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers.
Crafted by talented Blackfoot artist Chad Thompson in collaboration with acclaimed Russian carver Dmitri Klemenkov, the carving depicts an Indigenous origin story of Coyote bringing Salmon to Columbia River Nations.
Learn more about the artists
Chad Thompson
Chad Thompson lives in the Slocan Valley with his teenage son, Kintan. Chad is an outstanding carpenter and contractor, those skills are only surpassed by the diversity and excellence of his artistic skills.
Chad Thompson grew up on a ranch bordering Kananaskis country in Alberta. At a young age, he learned a great respect for Mother Earth and was inspired daily by the vast wildlife and beauty of his surroundings. Drawing pride and inspiration from his Native ancestry, he hopes to enlighten people to the beauty and sophistication of First Nations culture and tradition. Never being schooled in art, Chad feels he is influenced constantly by his surroundings: "Mother Earth is the greatest teacher."
Chad has been given opportunities to work with experienced artists and has gained extensive knowledge and experience in mural painting, sculpture, graphic and logo design. Chad works mainly with acrylic paints but also indulges in antler, stone, wood sculpture, jewelry design, artifact reproduction and replicas, hide painting, leather work, fine woodworking and carpentry. As a nature enthusiast he spends time in the Kootenay’s enjoying fly fishing, bird watching, ski touring and paddling.
Chad considers his talents God-given and gives thanks to the creator for his abilities; thanking those who have given him support and guidance throughout his career.
Dmitri Klemenkov
Dmitry Klimenko is a sculptor born in 1979 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, who graduated from the Saint Petersburg State Academy of Art in 2004. He began sculpting sand that same year after a chance opportunity at a local competition, which led him to make it his primary medium alongside his
initial work in traditional materials like bronze and wood. He has participated in international sand and ice sculpture festivals in over 15 countries.
In his early career, Klimenko initially focused on monumental sculpture for public spaces.
Shift to Sand
He discovered sand sculpture in 2004, which became his main artistic medium due to its unique creative possibilities.
Education
He graduated in 2004 with a master's degree in Monumental Arts from the Saint Petersburg State Academy of Industrial Art and Design. International career: He has participated in numerous international sand sculpture festivals across the globe, including in Japan, Canada, the USA, Kuwait, and Belgium.
Other Media
In addition to sand, he also works with other materials such as ice, bronze, and wood.
As a trickster character in traditional stories, Coyote carried Salmon upriver and offered them to each Nation he encountered in exchange for their most beautiful women. Across many Interior Salish communities, Coyote is a teacher, connecting peoples, lands, and shared responsibilities to time and place.
SWSS has generously donated the piece to the college in recognition of our long-standing partnership in advancing community-based stewardship and aquatic ecosystem health.
This event is for invited guests only.