Sanford Williams

Sanford Williams is a Nuu-chah-nulth and Mowachaht master carver from Yuquot, located on Nootka Island - the territory now famous for receiving Captain Cook and his Resolution crew in 1778.

As a young artist, Sanford drew inspiration from his relatives, notably his uncle, the late Chief Domonic Andrew, and his grandfather, artist Jimmy John. After surviving a residential school, Sanford went on to attend Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art at 'Ksan in Old Hazleton, BC. After his time training under the guidance of master carvers Ken Mowatt and Vernon Stephens, he stayed on as a substitute teacher, and worked on large pieces with other master carvers for various organizations in BC.

Today, Sanford spends his time creating special and unique pieces from his remote, beachfront carving shed in Yuquot.