Vern Etzerza

Tahltan Nation

Vern Etzerza was born January 11, 1953 in Telegraph Creek in British Columbia, to the Wolf Clan of the Tahltan People. He spent his early years at a residential school where Indian culture was discouraged and sometimes forbidden. In 1972, he graduated from high school and spent the next 10 years in the construction industry. It was not until the early eighties that Vern began to rediscover his native heritage.

 In 1982, Vern received instruction in Northwest Coast design from Glen Wood. Soon after this, he met Gene Brabant and started carving under his instructions. As a teacher Gene Brabant placed heavy emphasis on the study of old pieces. Vern has carved many studies of museum pieces in all styles of the Northwest Coast and from these draws inspiration for his own original work. Vern’s major influences include Russell Smith, Joe Peters Jr. and Tony Hunt Jr. 

He explains, “When I think I’ve finished a piece I take an extra day or two, or what ever it takes, to make it that much better. That much closer to the original visions.”

 Vern has become known for his carved and colourfully painted sun and moon masks. Vern is the father of two boys. The oldest, under his father’s watchful eye is already dedicated to learning and carrying on the art of his Tahltan tradition.