Sebastian, Ron
Ron Sebastian is a member of the Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en Nation from the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada, British Columbia. He holds the name, GWIN BUTSXW (Likes-to-be-Packed) in the House of Spookw, Lak Gibuu (Wolf) Clan. One side of Ron's family is Gitxsan, and the other side is Wet'suwet'en. He was born in 1945 on a Fish packer that was taking his mother from Carlisle to Prince Rupert, on the British Columbia Coast. Ron was raised in the Wet'suwet'en village of Hagwilget.
His uncle, Joe Sebastian, taught Ron the principles of carving totem poles and masks. In the early 1970's Ron studied carving and design at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Coast Indian Art, at 'Ksan Village, Hazelton.
In addition to making boxes and masks, and carving poles, Ron works in gold, silver and sea mammal ivory. His finely crafted jewellery is in high demand both locally and abroad. As well, Ron makes quality silk-screen prints, using bold traditional motifs of the 'Ksan style, often illustrating legends of his people.
Ron is concerned that Native artists are departing from their traditional designs. He prefers to work in the older styles, depicting regional crest figures. He explains, "I never really give out our stories and histories because they belong to the names in our Houses. When someone passes away, the name and the stories are handed down to the nephew or niece of the deceased."
In 1977, together with fellow-artist, Earl Muldoe, Ron carved three large murals that are installed in the main foyer of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs building in Hull, Quebec. In 1980, together with his brother, Robert, Ron carved a cedar panel for a new school in Takla Landing. Ron’s work is found in museums and private collections in North America, Europe and Japan.
Of his most elaborate pieces, are two throne type chairs Ron carved for the President and the Chancellor of the University of Northern British Columbia, along with a Talking Stick which is used in ceremonies. He also carved and painted the Senate doors and contributed to the Coat of Arms. On October 21, 2022 Ron received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from UNBC for his work.