BORN:
1879 (d. 1962)

BIRTHPLACE:
Yan, Haida Gwaii

Captain Andrew Brown was born in 1879. In Haida his name was Owt'iwans, which meant 'Big Eagle.' He inherited this name from his grandfather who came from small Hippa Island. Andrew himself came from Yan. He carved many great canoes, earning him the nickname 'Captain,' which he put in front of his English given name. He carved a great many poles in his lifetime amongst many other items, and because of his interesting character people wanted them signed. Many of his poles remain that are easy to identify as his because of the signed backs or bottoms. He passed away in 1962 at the age of 83.