Jimmy Chester

Nuu-Chah-Nulth language, his name translates to "everybody is talking about me". Growing up, no English was spoken in his home. Jimmy did not attend school, but learned everything he knows from his grandfather, who was a whaler in his village. He taught Jimmy how to carve harpoons with mussel shell spears to hunt whales, and paddles for their canoes. At the ago of two, Jimmy composed his first song, which led to a life time of singing, dancing and carving.

Still living in the same village where he was born, Jimmy retired, but spent decades teaching the youth in his village their traditional language, culture, and history. He built long houses, canoes and other artwork that has been purchased by collectors and museums around the world. He was still invited to potlatches across the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Nation to sing, dance and tell stories.

Jimmy had 10 children, 25 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, whom he has passed down all of his knowledge to. Many of his family are now well established artists who accredit their talents to Jimmy's wisdom and teachings.