Jamin Zuroski is an Award Winning ‘Namgis First Nations Artist, residing in Victoria, BC. Jamin holds mixed ancestry from Ukrainian and Polish on his father’s side and ‘Na̱mg̱is, Da̱naxdax̱w, Ma’a̱mtagila, Mowachit, and E’iksen on his mother’s side. Jamin is one of three siblings from his mother, Cindy Cook and is a grandchild to Ruth and George Cook. The Gigalgam Cook family comes from Alert Bay, which is located on Cormorant Island. Alert Bay sits on the regional lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw, the Kwak’wala speaking peoples.
Since 1985, Jamin has lived in Victoria, BC, on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. Jamin continues to visit Alert Bay, to attend cultural ceremonies and events. He knows that his heritage and desire for community connections, is the heartbeat and fuel of his everyday actions.
Jamin was first introduced to learn and practice a variety of West Coast Indigenous design styles in grade seven at James Bay Elementary School. During this time of artistic learning, he instantly became spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally connected to the stories and legends of West Coast Indigenous Peoples.
As Jamin navigated and practiced art throughout junior high and high school, he was honoured numerous art awards. During his teenage years, he was offered after hours opportunities to continue his practice and artistic learning under the mentorship and guidance of Victor Newman, Carey Newman and Rande Cook. During those years and still to this day, he learns about his cultural heritage, Indigenous world views, social responsibility, leadership, community engagement, allyship, cultural integration, and social impact.
For over 25 years, Jamin has practiced and worked with a variety of artists, community members, organizations, businesses, schools, Friendship Centres and government on a variety of cultural projects and initiatives. Some of the current mediums he works with are cedar wood carving, cedar and glass sandblasting, mural painting, canvas painting, and computer graphics.
“May we continue to share our gifts with the world, with authenticity and integrity.”
Ha̱yulis ḵ̕wax̱anakwa̱la x̱a̱n’s gwayilelas Our ways are always growing
Jamin Zuroski
