Richie Baker (Feb. 12, 1962 - November 25, 2024) recently passed on to the spirit world after a few years of suffering from a terrible skiing accident. We miss Richie but believe he's in a better place.
He was born and lived his life in North Vancouver on the Capilano Reserve of the Squamish Nation. He is Squamish and Kwak’waka’wakw. His maternal grandmother was Katherine Scow. His ancestors on both sides were artists. His father, Dick Baker was a well known carver. He grew up watching his father and other local artists create totem poles, canoes, masks, talking sticks, and many other wonderful creations.
Richie began carving at 12 years old and continued carving professionally all through his life. As well as carving and painting wood, he created beautiful silver and gold jewelry. He was a master jeweller, engraving, rolling out gold, setting diamonds and other stones. He was unbelievably creative. He came up with a never ending series of unique and original designs.
As well as creating Indigenous art, Richie bought artworks at wholesale from local artists and resold them. His studio was also a store, and a stream of customers and artist would arrive and talk with Richie while he carved and sold and socialized. He was a very friendly and outgoing person. He also had a construction business that he owned and ran. In addition he was on council for the Squamish Nation. He was a very busy guy.
Richie came from a rich and living culture. He was proud of both his Kwak'waka'wakw and Squamish heritage. As well as participating in the Coast Salish culture and dances, he often travelled to Alert Bay to participate in Potlatches. Richie was a community-based person and took upon himself to help out other artists by supporting their work and their aspirations. Richie's family members continue the family business creating beautiful jewelry and wood carvings.
We are fortunate to have some of Richie’s jewelry that’s been sitting in a bank box since we closed our physical store a few years ago. We've now had them professionally photographed and are offering them for sale on our webstore.
