Jack James

Jack James was born between approximately 1901 and 1915 on Gwa’yasdams (Gilford Island) and was a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation. He was also the father and teacher of carver Basil James (1938–2005), passing on his knowledge and artistic traditions to the next generation.

In 1966, as part of a provincial government initiative commemorating the centennial of the union of Vancouver Island with British Columbia, 19 totem poles were commissioned from 11 First Nations carvers and installed at locations throughout Vancouver Island. Jack James carved one of these poles, which stands in Parksville, British Columbia.