Smith, Russell S. (1950 - 2011)

Russell's maternal grandfather was Isaac Abraham, chief of the Walas Kwagu'l at Fort Rupert. His maternal grandmother was Edith Dawson, the daughter of Chief Amos Dawson of the Mamalilikala people from Village Island. His mother was Elizabeth Abraham from the Thunderbird clan. His paternal grandfather was Jerry Brown, a Hope Island chief. His father's name was Jacob Smith. Russell began wood carving in 1968 and within a year, he was working with Bill Holm, assisting with the restoration of a long house at the Pacific Science Centre in Seattle. He attended the Indian Heritage Project, at the Vancouver Museum for 2 years, working with Doug Cranmer and Larry Rosso. He also worked in wood and precious metals.