Lelooska received his name at the age of 12 when he was adopted by the Nez Perce tribe. Translated, it means “He Who Cuts Against Wood with a Knife” and has become a cherished family name representative of their heritage.
The Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) honored him with the title Gixken, meaning “Chief of Chiefs.” As the first child of Shona-Hah, Lelooska assumed a leadership role within his family. He and his family were formally incorporated into the House of Sewide of the Mamaleleqala and Qwiqwasutnox bands of the Kwakwaka’wakw by Chief James Aul Sewide. This adoption conferred upon Lelooska and his family the hereditary rights, crests, and privileges associated with the Sewide lineage.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Lelooska remarked, “I am the most fortunate of the children, for I was the one best acquainted with our grandfather—a touchstone of the history and traditions of our people.”
Throughout his childhood, Lelooska shared a close bond with his grandfather, He-Killer. Their time together, filled with carving and conversation, was invaluable to Lelooska.
He-Killer was a man who embraced life with vigor. Proud of his Indian heritage, he served in Troop A of the Fifth Cavalry and later collaborated with Buffalo Bill Cody during his youth.
Although of Cherokee descent, Lelooska's influence extended beyond the boundaries of any single tribe. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, becoming an authority on Native American cultures, particularly focusing on the “Cedar and Salmon People” of the northwest coast. His life's mission was the preservation of their artistic traditions.
Lelooska was fluent in Chinook Jargon, the coastal trade language, and actively studied the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwakiutl) language. Additionally, he was knowledgeable in several other Indigenous dialects. His linguistic studies provided him with a deeper understanding of traditional perspectives and facilitated communication with the Old People. “They are the books, the libraries, of Indian culture,” he stated.
He invested considerable effort into research for educational programs, also experimenting with various techniques for his family's artwork. These methods were further refined and adapted by his family members for their own artistic practices. “Experimentation is part of our own ongoing education,” he noted.
Lelooska's work is highly sought after by collectors. Primarily recognized as a wood sculptor, he demonstrated remarkable versatility in his craft. His creations varied in size from small pieces that fit in the palm of a hand to monumental totem poles. His repertoire included opening masks, carved panels, feast bowls, rattles, and animal sculptures.
Possessing a commanding presence and sharp intellect, Lelooska was known for his charm and wit, making him popular among individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Regarding his family’s lifestyle and work, Chief Lelooska emphasized, “Our grandfather advised us to take the best of both worlds—the Indian’s and the non-Indian’s—and combine them so that they would complement and enrich each other. This we have done, but, always, our Indianness is the focus of our lives.”
He expressed a commitment to preserving the culture of the Northwest Coast Peoples, which had been disrupted by the arrival of European settlers. “Before the coming of the white man, the Northwest Coast Peoples had a highly developed and complex culture. All facets of it were expressed in their art forms. But when their way of life was disrupted, so much of the art was lost and destroyed that all of it may never be recovered. I plan to spend the rest of my life helping save what I can. But even if I live to be a hundred, I will only scratch the surface of what needs to be done.”
Chief Lelooska passed away in September 1996, and the chieftaincy was transferred to his brother, Tsungani. His legacy continues through the educational programs at the Lelooska Cultural Center, where individuals of all ages engage with living history programs, museum collections, and various activities.
