Artist: Clarence Mills – Haida, Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

Cultural Background: Haida, Queen Charlotte Islands, BC

Haida artist Clarence Mills was born at Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia in 1958. He is a member of the Eagle Clan and takes the Split Raven and Grizzly Bear as his crests.

His grandfather Jimmy Wilson was hereditary Chief Skedans. His grandmother gave him his Haida name – Gah-ghin-skuss, meaning ‘your out of your own land’.

With guidance from his uncle, Doug Wilson, Clarence began studying traditional Haida art at the age of eighteen. Clarence has dedicated himself to becoming proficient in a wide variety of mediums, including silkscreen printmaking, sandblasting glass, silver & gold jewelry.

He also carves argillite, traditional stone of the Haida, along with cedar boxes, bowls, doors, plaques, and monumental size totem poles for various international events.

Clarence Mills’ Haida designs are amongst the most powerful Northwest Coast artwork being created today. He creates in the tradition of his people.

Artwork by Indigenous Artist Clarence Mills