Lalkawilas -Harris Smith. There are many groups of Native People indigenous to the coast of British Columbia. Harris Smith belongs to the people who are commonly called Kwagiulth (Kwakiutl). Harris was raised by his grandparents, Tom and Evelyn Smith. His grandfather was the Chief of the Campbell River People and his grandmother came from a very important family in Oweekeno Village. Harris spent his early years travelling up and down the coast with his grandparents, as his grandfather was a very successful fisherman. When it came time for school, the family moved permanently to Vancouver, where Harris attended school through grade 12. During these years, Old Tom (the grandfather) had a thriving business selling Totem Poles to the Vancouver Hotel, Woodwards, and the Hudson Bay Company. Harris was expected to help in this family endeavour and spent many long hours sanding, carving, and eventually painting some of these Poles. Even then, he showed a real aptitude for painting, and he worked many hours practicing the skills.

Through the busy years afterward, Harris still practiced his craft by carving for personal satisfaction and enlightenment, and making special gifts or carvings for friends to take abroad. But in 1982, Harris was able to leave his job as a Carpet Layer and devote his full attention to Indian Art. Since that time Harris has never looked back. His work and skills have progressed and his style is uniquely his own. He mixes the old traditions in a new contemporary way. Harris believes that if the art/culture on the Coast had not been interrupted it would have naturally progressed - just as his own work has done. Harris has great respect for the Old Master Carvers who, with very little in the way of tools, fashioned such wonderful works of art which, even today, live on as inspirational monuments. He looks in awe at the giant Totem Poles of yesteryear, imagining how it once was, and wonders at the great talent and skills of the carvers. Although Harris has worked in many mediums, his favorite is still wood. "When you're carving and everything is going just right - you, your knife, and the wood become one", is how he best describes carving. Since becoming a full-time Artist, Lalkawilas (Harris Smith) has won many awards for his artistic skills and creativity. His work has been sought out by collectors across Canada and throughout the world.

During the 1994 Commonwealth Games, Harris was extremely honored to have two of his wood carvings presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.