Jody Sparrow

Jody Sparrow is a xʷməθkʷəy̓əm born and raised Coast Salish artist born in North Vancouver, BC in 1970. His ancestry is from the Musqueam/Squamish Nations. Jody works primarily in metal and wood. He was first introduced to carving by traditional carvers of the Musqueam community when he was 7 years old. He is a trained jeweller, having completed the Native North West Jewelry Arts program. He has also studied at Emily Carr University of Art and Design as well as the Native Education College, under Nisga’a artist Robert Tait. Jody is well known for both his Coast Salish traditional and contemporary canoe and paddle styles, as well as his unique Coast Salish jewelry style, which includes Goat Horn designs, and weaving patterns.

In addition to being a trained artist, Jody is also a trained carpenter, having received his Red Seal certification in 2005 from the International Trades Association. In 2010 he began carving wood and is largely self-taught. His knowledge as a carpenter has transferred well into his carving, as he is able to mill his own wood, and has also built his own bentwood boxes.

Jody is part of the ongoing movement to celebrate and revive Coast Salish art styles in Coast Salish lands, and continues to carve paddles and make jewelry in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island areas. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge, and is currently teaching his daughters and granddaughter.