As we walked down the hallway to the studio of Beau Dick on the University of British Columbia campus, we could smell the cedar shavings welcoming us into the carver's space. An unfinished mask lay on a big stump of wood with tools scattered around it. Finished masks, possibly from the last potlatch, were piled in one side while shelves overflowing with books stood opposite them. Beau greeted us and then we introduced Jim to Beau. They found they were related, both being family to the famous Tlingit Chief Shakes. 
"The chief's role was," Jim explained, "to make sure the tribe survived, not be glamorous and flamboyant.  And now where is the love of land that sustains and supports us among our youth who are getting more and more educated?"
Every time I listen to Jim speak, I understand a little bit more about the complex culture of the First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. He talks as much about the deep connection to the land as about the intertwined relationships between tribes, within tribes and with Nature. The natural world is teacher, disciplinarian, Creator and jokester. 
​Here is one of the stories Chief Jim Thomas told us that day.