Cecelia & Ralph Shaughnessy

Cecelia was born at a small island called White Beach, which is close to Newvan. Newvan can be found in Nights Inlet. Ralph was born at Alert Bay where he grew up & attended school. Cecelia never attended school on a full time basis. Her grandparents used to hide her in the trees away from the non-natives so they could not send her away to school. By the time she reached the age of 16, she had attended St. Michael's Residential School.

Ralph used to be a commercial fisherman up until about 15 years ago. They found that they could make a better living creating Native Art so Ralph gave up his fishing career & they now spend 100% of their time carving & painting traditional designs on cedar wood. Ralph credits his grandfather for teaching him how to carve & Cecelia credits her entire family for teaching each other Native Crafts.

Cecelia is originally from the Musganagw Tsawataineuk Tribe, which is known as Kingcome Inlet. Cecelia was born in September 1941 & Ralph was born March 1938. Cecelia village is about 30 minutes by plane west of Alert Bay. Cecelia grew up on Gifford Island & Kingcome Inlet area. Ralph grew up at Alert Bay. They are happily married with two sons & a daughter who also help them in their carvings & paintings. Cecelia also is a medical escort for her people. She travels to Campbell River & Courtney, B.C. Cecelia's parents are Annie & Sam Cedar. Ralph's parents are Mabel & Arthur Shaughnessy.