Tim Paul

Tim Paul was born at Esperanza Inlet, north of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island, and is a member of the Hesquiaht Band of the Nuu-chah-nulth people. Encouraged by his family, he began his artwork at age ten, and began carving in 1975 under Ben Andrews and later John Livingston. In 1977, he began working with the Royal British Columbia Museum’s carving program at Thunderbird Park. During the project, he collaborated with other artists, including Richard Hunt, and eventually held the position of First Carver. His poles are featured nationally and internationally, including in Stanley Park in Vancouver, Wakefield and Yorkshire Park in England, and Auckland, New Zealand. Much of his work reflects his concern with local environmental degradation, as well as his desire to pass down traditional Nuu-chah-nulth culture to younger generations. In 1992, he left his carving position to oversee a native education program in the Port Alberni School Board on Vancouver Island. He currently continues his artwork, activism, and educational efforts from his home in Port Alberni.