Linnea Dick is the daughter of Pamela Bevan and Beau Dick. She carries the Kawakwaka’wakw name Malidi, meaning “to always find a purpose and path in life.” She is of Kawakwaka’wakw, Nisga’a, and Tsimshian heritage. She spent her early childhood in Alert Bay, later relocating to Vancouver with her sister Geraldine. Between 2004–05 she was immersed in Haida culture and traditions, while based in Haida Gwaii, where her two older sisters live. Her practice is centered on helping people, and she aims to establish a wellness center for women and children. She is also a writer and a painter. Dick was one of the central participants and organizers of Awalaskenis I and Awalaskenis II, two copper breaking ceremonies that took place on the steps of the British Columbia Legislature and at the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Canada. The act of breaking copper revived a shaming ceremony that was at one time a part of the complex economic and social system of the potlatch.
Niillas Somby, Linnea Dick, opening of the Public Programs of documenta 14 at Parko Eleftherias, photo: Stathis Mamalakis