CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BORN:
1945

BIRTHPLACE:
Skidegate, Haida Gwaii

Ron Gitsgah Wilson was born into the Stau’aas Xaadaga clan, and is next in line to become Chief Cumshewa. He sold his first piece of art, a 6-foot cedar totem pole, in 1962. Ron developed an interest in argillite by watching the Haida carvers around him, such as Tim Pearson, Ike Hans, Gordon Cross, and Arthur Moody. He attended the Vancouver School of Art from 1967 to 1969, where he learned painting techniques and jewellery design. Upon completing his studies at Vancouver School of Art, Ron moved to Victoria, BC, and studied wood carving with Kwakwaka'wakw carver Henry Hunt Sr. A highlight of Ron’s career was the carving of a 52-foot red cedar pole for the Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre in Skidegate.