Ike Charlie
Isaac (Ike) Charlie is from the Ahousaht Nation.
I was born in Port Alberni BC on July 26th of 1969, where I was raised up with my grandparents till the age of 5. It was then that I was returned to my mothers’ care and eventually I grew up in Victoria BC, where I lived for 35 years. Shortly after receiving a college education, I moved back to Port Alberni, where I currently reside since 2010 with my beautiful wife Laura.
I began carving and designing Nuuchahnulth First Nations artwork at 10 years of age. I was originally taught by my older brother Art Charlie II, who was taught by our late grandfather Joshua Jumbo; who was also from Ahousaht nation/tribe. During my most formative years, while living in Victoria as a young artist/carver, I had the honored pleasure of meeting many West Coast First Nations Artists. By age 15, I was inspired to start creating and developing a contemporary cross cultural blended style, which I became proficient at. However, and since moving back to Port Alberni, I have been gently encouraged to return to my Nuuchahnulth cultural art design heritage by a local (Tseshaht) First Nation Artist, Gordon Dick.
However though and upon reflection, my very first introduction to the world of creating Nuuchahnulth art and story telling was the day I met a lady named Ulli Steltzer. She came to my grandmothers’ house to take her picture for a book she (Ulli) was making; titled: Indian Artists at Work. I have since come to appreciate that it was my late grandmother (Mary Ellen Jumbo of the Hesquiaht 1st nation) who laid down a path for me in the world of First Nations’ artistry. My grandmother was also involved in creating (artwork) and supporting our cultural ways through her storytelling and weaving and basket making skills. On page 70, and at the young age of 4, I can be seen standing “proudly” at my grandmothers’ side in this book.
I am a father of two sons and am a stepfather to my wife’s two children. I am also a proud grandfather to our grand daughter born during the time of covid; she is truly a blessing. I am also very proud to say that I am married to my beautiful wife Laura, since December of 2012, and have also learned many teachings about our First Nations heritage and culture from her as well.
I have had many different jobs throughout the years, from construction to demolition and then becoming a teacher in the greater Victoria School District, but my longest running passion is my culture and the various styles, mediums and techniques involved in creating cultural artwork and story telling. I attended and completed a First Nations Family Support Workers Training Program through Camosun College, (early 2000) in Victoria, and went to work in the school district as a: Substitute Teacher Assistant, 1st Nations Art Teacher and a Cultural Awareness Teacher for 3 years. Currently, I have been working contracts with NTC/NETP in Port Alberni as a Nuuchahnulth Cultural Awareness and pre-employment Facilitator.
On a personal level, I have taught many students the carving and designing skills taught to me. The various techniques and designs that I have created over my 47 years of experience and dedication to my craft, have provided many reflections on what a good life and a good Nuuchahnulth person is intended to be.
