“Our culture; our heritage is born of our respectful, intimate ties with the earth and the sea. Like a forest, the roots of our people are entwined, and adversity will not cut us down. We owe our existence to Haida Gwaii. It is here on these islands, where our ancestors lived and died, that we shall live until such time as they send us the sign to join them in the next world. The generation of those living today assumes the responsibility of passing down our heritage to the generations that follow.” Ernest Swanson
Ernest Swanson is Haida artist from Old Massett, Haida Gwaii. He currently lives on Vancouver Island. His traditional Haida name is Giinowaan, and he is a successor to the Yaghulaanas Raven Clan of Dadens. He is a matrilineal descendent of Charles Edenshaw, and grandson to the late Rufus Moody.
Ernest completed two design courses with Robert Davidson, and has studied with such established Haida artists as Jim McGuire, Christian White, Jim Hart and Dan Wallace.
In 2005, Ernest earned the Emerging Artist award from British Columbia’s Alliance of Arts and Culture presented by Robert Davidson. He assisted Jim Hart on the carving of the Celebration of Bill Reid pole which was raised February 21, 2009 at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
Working mostly in silver and gold, Ernest has also created beautiful argillite pieces. His work is fine in detail and true to his Haida heritage.
Ernest has a passion for working with youth, and has worked with diverse youth groups in HIV/AIDS awareness, mural paintings, drum making workshops, Haida language and history, dance classes, traditional storytelling, and design workshops.
22 kt Child of the Moon Pendant
Silver Killer Whale Pendant with gold accents
