GARRY OKER

Garry Oker is a multifaceted artist, designer, and leader from the Doig River First Nation (DRFN) in British Columbia, Canada. Born and raised in the community, he has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Dane-zaa culture through various artistic and leadership roles.

In 1985, Garry completed studies in Visual Performing Arts and Fashion Design at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. He then worked as a fashion designer in Montreal before returning to his community to serve as the Program Director for DRFN from 1990 to 1998. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Arts in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University in 2005.

As an elected councilor for DRFN, Garry focuses on cultural revitalization through initiatives like Kema Experiences. This program immerses participants in traditional Dane-zaa practices, engaging multiple senses to foster a deep connection with the culture. He also co-founded Symbols Design Corporation, blending art, culture, and business to create employment opportunities within the community.

Garry's artistic talents are diverse, encompassing painting, visual arts, music, and performance. He has produced documentaries such as "They Dream about Everything" (2005) and "Contact the People" (2002), and directed the Virtual Museum project "Dane Wajich-Dane-zaa Stories and Songs: Dreamers and the Land" in 2005. His music CDs include "Dane-zaa Dreamers Drummer Collection" (1996-2001) and "Dreamland" (2015).

Beyond his council duties, Garry has represented DRFN at various national and international platforms. In 2019, he presented "Digital Mythology Abstract" at the World Indigenous Education Conference in Peru and spoke at the "Think Indigenous" education conference in Edmonton. He also co-directed the opening and closing ceremonies for the Arctic Winter Games in 2010.

In October 2024, Garry was the featured artist at the opening of Knux Gallery in Fort St. John, showcasing his ongoing commitment to sharing his cultural heritage.

 He also participated as a panelist at the Indigenomics NOW summit, discussing Indigenous design thinking and the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Garry Oker's life work exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition, art, and leadership, significantly enriching the cultural tapestry of his community and beyond.