Ernie Smith was born in 1966 to the late Francis Smith of Ehattesaht (Nuu-chahnulth) and Virginia Smith of We Wai Kai (Kwakwaka'wakw). Ernie was given traditional names from both sides of the family: Mowisaht and Gwa-gwa-da-kan. His first mentor was Dorie Brochie (his mother's cousin), who taught him how to carve. Next, he mate late Russell Kwakseestahla who taught Ernie how to carve and make knives. Ernie also had the opportunity to observe and become influenced by the work of late Art Nicolaye and Ernie's relatives Ron Hamilton and Tim Paul. In 2015 he took the Metal Jewellery Design Course at North Island College where he had opportunity to learn from Leanne Helin and earned himself a place on the Dean's list. In 2017 he returned to the College as an instructor for the program. Today, Ernie is a full time jewellery artist creating unique rings, bracelets, pedants, and earrings; often fusing silver and gold with stones in unusual settings.
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