Breaching orca design in yellow cedar is set off with bold red and black paint. This model paddle measures 36 x 5.5 x 1 inches, priced at $795.

The artist was born in Nanaimo, B.C. and is a member of the Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka’wakw) First Nation with heritage connecting to the Coast Salish.

The Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, also known as the Kwakiutl (“Kwakʼwala-speaking peoples”) are one of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Their current population, according to a 2016 census, is 3,665. Most live in their traditional territory on northern Vancouver Island, nearby smaller islands including the Discovery Islands, and the adjacent British Columbia mainland. Some also live outside their homelands in urban areas such as Victoria and Vancouver and beyond. They are politically organized into 13 band governments.

Their language, now spoken by only 3.1% of the population, consists of four dialects of what is commonly referred to as Kwakʼwala. These dialects are Kwak̓wala, ʼNak̓wala, G̱uc̓ala and T̓łat̓łasik̓wala

The Whale is a communicator and highly regarded guardian of the sea. Whales travel together and symbolize long life. He is said to protect those who travel away from home, and to lead them back when the time comes.

Orcas will often stay their whole life with the same pod and raise each calf with care. Orcas travel in large extended matrilinear family groups, working together to protect all members of their pod.

Also known as the “Lord of the Ocean” the Killer whale is said to be the guardian of the ocean. It is believed that Killer Whales are closely related to humans.