Jason Watts

Jason Watts is a Haida and Nisga'a artist and carver. His grandmother Nina Bell Strike and mother Ada Watts are of the Eagle clan from Old Masset, Haida Gwaii. His training began in his youth, surrounded by an abundance of culture. Jason was inspired by his uncles and his father to continue the family tradition of carving. Jason also feels a special connection to his Nonny (grandmother) Mary Watts who was a skillful, prolific, and knowledgeable weaver in her time. Jason began carving full-time in 1996, beginning with masks and panels. In the year 2000, he apprenticed with Master Carver Guujaaw on a 40 foot Cumshewa totem pole that now stands in Skidegate.

Jason is also an accomplished dancer and is part of the Nisga'a dance group as well as the Haida dance group, The North Wind Dancers. His goal as a carver includes creating and incorporating "new masks" for traditional dancing.

Throughout his years, he has made over 30 totem poles, as well as many masks, rattles, talking sticks, paddles, and deer, hide drums.