Jewell James facts for kids

Lummi healing totem pole (up-close view, in honor of the victims of September 11th)

Jewell James was born on February 2, 1953. He is also known by his traditional names like Praying Wolf and Tse Sealth. Jewell James is a master carver of totem poles from the Lummi Nation. He is also an author and works to protect the environment. He is a descendant of the famous Native American leader, Chief Seattle.

Early Life and Learning

Jewell James was born on the Lummi Indian Reservation. This is located west of Bellingham, Washington. His family has deep roots in the area. He is a direct descendant of Chief Seattle, who the city of Seattle, Washington, is named after.

Before Jewell James started carving, his brother, Dale James, also studied this art. Jewell James went to the University of Washington in the early 1970s. There, he studied political science. While in college, he learned wood carving from an artist named Marvin Oliver. Later, he worked as an apprentice for Oliver, learning even more.

His Work as a Carver and Activist

Jewell James is an important member of the Lummi Nation. He helps protect their treaties, which are agreements with the government. He has also been a leader for cultural diversity within the Lummi community. In 1994, he helped organize a big meeting. About 300 Native American tribes met with President Bill Clinton at the White House.

James leads a group called the House of Tears Carvers. This group is made up of wood carvers from the Lummi Nation. They create amazing totem poles.

The Art of Totem Pole Carving

Jewell James carves totem poles from old western red cedar trees. These totems are very special in Lummi culture. They help with healing and telling stories. Before a tree is cut, a special prayer ceremony takes place. Making one totem pole can take up to 1,000 hours of work. This includes carving the wood and painting the designs.

In 2001, Jewell James made two totem poles. He gave them to the Pentagon to honor the people who lost their lives there on September 11. His work is also shown in a documentary film. It is called A Common Destiny: Walking in Both Worlds.

The Red Road to DC Journey

In July 2021, the House of Tears Carvers took part in an event called "Red Road to DC". They created a tall, 25-foot totem pole. This totem pole was made to encourage the United States government. It aimed to inspire them to protect sacred Native American sites.

The "Red Road to DC" totem pole traveled for two weeks. It went all the way to Washington D.C. Along the way, it stopped in many places across the country. At each stop, local prayer ceremonies were held. This journey helped to share the message of protecting important Native American lands.