CULTURAL GROUP:
Kwakwaka'wakw

BORN: 1965

BIRTHPLACE: Alert Bay

Thomas Sewid is a Kwakwaka’wakw/Cree First Nation artist who was born in Alert Bay. He became interested in his people’s art as a boy watching the great carvers who are no longer with us creating. These historic carvers such as Chief James Aul Sewid his grandfather, Gus Matilpi, Benjamin (Blackie) Dick, Andrew (Beanie) Beans instilled his desire to learn the art trade. Having been the Chairman of Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia and other First Nations organizations for decades, Thomas is well trained in marketing. As Chairman of Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia he and the organization he led helped incorporate the Indigenous cultural component into the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. The bowls he paints upon were made by the late master lathe turner Bill Luce. Some may know Thomas from his television series Aboriginal Adventures or the many appearances he makes on Sasquatch/Bigfoot television shows.