Ray Natraoro
Squamish
(1973)
Ray Natraoro was born in Vancouver in 1973, but now lives in North Vancouver. He is a member of the Coast Salish/Squamish First Nation. Natraoro comes from a long line of carvers, with 5 generations working and learning from each other. He is inspired by his grandfather, great-grandfather, and carver Rick Harry.
Natraoro’s work represents the history of the Squamish people, and though his body of work includes house posts, spindle whorls, masks, rattles, and totem poles, he is best known for his canoes. In 1998, Natraoro was the master carver for a 37’ sea going-canoe. He also carved a 28’ Stelkaya-Striking Wolf hunting canoe for his wife Noelle as a wedding present.
Natraoro has continued the tradition of learning carving from elders by taking on many apprentices.
