Joseph (Joe) Martin is a master Tla-o-qui-aht canoe carver whose work embodies the deep cultural traditions of his people and the West Coast. Renowned for his dug-out canoes, Joe’s artistry is rooted in ancestral knowledge, ecological stewardship, and the passing down of traditional teachings through his craft.
Through decades of carving and cultural leadership, he has become a respected ambassador for Clayoquot Sound, sharing traditional stories, teachings, and techniques that celebrate and preserve Nuu-chah-nulth art and ways of life. Joe is a founding member of the Tonquin Foundation and a driving force behind the Carving on the Edge Festival, which brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous carvers to foster dialogue, learning, and cross-cultural exchange.
