Spirit Animals - Jumping Yellow Deer

Veran is a prominent Indigenous artist known for their evocative work that explores themes of cultural identity, environmental conservation and ancestral heritage. His art, which spans various mediums including painting, sculpture and digital media, often integrates traditional Indigenous motifs with contemporary techniques. Veran’s pieces are celebrated for their vibrant use of color and symbolism, reflecting a deep connection to their heritage and the natural world.

Veran Pardeahtan is of Russian-Canadian and Apache stock. Growing from his youth on the San Carlos Reservation in Chirichua Mountains in Arizona, he came to Canada to live with his mother. Together they traveled extensively. Veran enlisted and served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly five years upon completion of high school. He then left the service to pursue his creative and artistic potential and his native roots.

In 1989, Veran decided to complete his education and entered the Fine Arts Program at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. In 1993 he received Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education and in 1996 Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Concordia University in Montreal. While at Concordia, Veran was chief of the Assembly of First Nations – Concordia and received numerous awards for his art and academic achievements.  

Veran’s professional artistic activities have spanned two decades and include sculpture, painting and pottery. His work has been displayed in over 40 local, national and international exhibitions and is included in numerous private collections. Significant in Veran’s art is his use of the four colours of the four peoples of the earth and his desire to encourage harmony and dialogue between them.

Veran's images are derived from a traditionalist base, however he brings Native art and imagery into the 21st century, showing that Native art is not dead or stagnant, rather, it is alive and vibrant! Through his work Veran wishes to promote harmony among the four tribes of the world.

Veran has taught art in community centres, high school and University settings. He has lectured extensively on Learning Disabilities and is a strong advocate for the needs of learning disabled students and adults across Canada. He presently works and resides in Alberta.  

"My work, which frequently includes representations of nature, and peace among the peoples of our world; promotes a sense of harmony. Inspiration is drawn from divergent elements in the environment. My art, through painting and pottery, gives a voice to the various aspects of nature."

His work has been exhibited in major galleries and museums both nationally and internationally, earning accolades for its innovative approach and cultural significance. Veran's commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous traditions is also evident through their active involvement in community outreach and educational programs, where they mentor young artists and lead workshops on traditional art forms.

Please contact the gallery for more information about the artist:info@nativeartgallery.ca