Sam Mckay was born May 17, 1948, in the village of Laxgalta'ap formally known as Greenville Nass River British Columbia. He was exposed to Northwest Coast Art at an early age by his grandfather Sam Mckay on his father Elbert Mckay's side of the family. He was also informed that he had a couple of uncles from the past that were great carvers; Simoogit Ni'ismuut on his mother Phyllis Mckay's side of the family, and Patterson Mckay who is his fathers brother. Northwest coast art has always been his passion and he finds spiritual solace as well as its healing energy.
Sam is continually finding ways to hone his artistic ability. On 2013, he completed a two year course at the Freda Diesing Northwest Coast School of Art in Terrace, British Columbia. His determination and meticulous ability to carve masks, bowels, paddles and wooden spoons leads him to another ambition. On July 2017, he completed an eight month course in Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts at Native Education College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His dream is to develop his own style of art and to open his own art studio.
He feel that his responsibility is to carry on the legacy that was freely given to him. He also believe that learning is a gift from the Creator, and that it is not complete until it is passed on. That is the teaching from his grandfather and his goal.
Sam is continually finding ways to hone his artistic ability. On 2013, he completed a two year course at the Freda Diesing Northwest Coast School of Art in Terrace, British Columbia. His determination and meticulous ability to carve masks, bowels, paddles and wooden spoons leads him to another ambition. On July 2017, he completed an eight month course in Northwest Coast Jewellery Arts at Native Education College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His dream is to develop his own style of art and to open his own art studio.
He feel that his responsibility is to carry on the legacy that was freely given to him. He also believe that learning is a gift from the Creator, and that it is not complete until it is passed on. That is the teaching from his grandfather and his goal.