Jack, Joe
Joe Jack is a member of the Coast Salish Nation, Cowichan Tribes. Born and raised on the Cowichan Territory by his parents, father Don Elliott from the Deer Horne Reserve in Glenora and his mother Adeline Jack who originates from the Quamichan. Joe carries two First Nation names. The first pronounced “Tthets” which came from his Grandfather Joseph Jack and the second name is “Luh leh Ulug” from his granduncle Joseph Edwards.
Joe was taken to a Residential school as a child, attending the Port Alberni Residential school from 1970-72. Since then, he has stayed within his community. At 15 he began carving in wood as a hobby and at age 26 he began carving jewelry full time, working with gold and silver. The spectacular beauty and history of his community inspires him to carve distinctive elegant works of traditional Salish art.
Joe is a spiritual man who enjoys communion with nature wherein the spirits of his ancestors live. He often sits atop Mount Tzouhalem and wonders about the rich history of the beautiful valley where he now helps raise his children.
