Ernest Puglas

Ernest P.D Puglas was born July 26,1986 to hereditary Chief Andrew Puglas Sr (Walas Xanasugwelukw) of the Mamalilakula people of Village Island B.C. and Lavern Henderson (NundziGilagya) of the Likwildaxw people of Campbell River B.C. He is the youngest grandson of Master carver Chief Sam Henderson Sr. (Numatsa) of the Nakwadaxw people of Blunden Harbour B.C

He began carving at the age of 12 years old in his grandfather's shed located in Campbell River while his family was canning salmon on the Tyee Spit. As Ernest grew he had the opportunity to work and carve alongside many of his Henderson cousins including Greg Henderson, Junior Henderson, and alongside his brother Andrew Puglas Jr. Through the years he has gained more and more strength as a young carver and artist and was invited to his first art show with Tommy Hunt Jr. in Friday Harbour U.S.A. in 2009.

He has been a part of major totem pole projects, and recently in 2022 finished his very first totem pole of his own design located on Cortes Island territory of the Klahoose Nation. His artwork consists of his family treasures from the the Kwakwaka'wakw. He has always dreamed to be a master carver and to this day is working hard to be so. His unique art style defines who he is in his life and tells his story well. Through culture, Ernest has made a traditional identity inside and outside the big house.

"Gilakasla Likwalatley"