Officer of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: May 12, 2016
• Invested on: November 17, 2016

Abraham Anghik Ruben
Salt Spring Island, British Columbia

For his artistic contributions as a sculptor and for his preservation of our northern heritage and national identity.

Abraham Ruben is one of Canada’s best-known and innovative Inuvialuit artists. Gifted at translating storytelling into sculpture, he uses non-traditional materials and tools to create compelling stone and bronze pieces that reflect the stories, myths and
legends of northern cultures. He has exhibited in Canada and internationally, notably as the first Inuit artist to have a solo exhibition at the Smithsonian. Through his pioneering work and teachings, he has inspired the next generation of Inuit artists and showcased our northern heritage to the world