Ernest Swanson

Ernest Swanson, also known as Giinowaan Skillaw Edenson Yalthtadzee is a Haida artist, who works with a variety of mediums. He says his grandfather Rufus Moody and Grandmother Mary Yeltatzie have been a source of inspiration throughout Ernie’s life.

“Our culture, our heritage is born of our respectful, intimate ties with earth and sea.  Like a forest’s, the roots of our people are entwined, and adversity will not cut us down. We owe our existence to Haida Gwaii. It is here on these islands, where our ancestors lived and died, that we shall live until such time as they send us the sign to join them in the next world.  The generation of those living today assumes the responsibility of passing down our heritage to the generations that follow.”

- Ernest Swanson