TULALIP — Some Tulalip tribal elders tell stories with words, setting vivid scenes and bringing ancient characters to life through the old tribal language.
Bernie “Kai-Kai” Gobin told stories through his carvings and other artwork. The canoe paddles, masks, boxes and other pieces he gave away throughout his life are admired for their intricate craftsmanship. When poor health afflicted him, Gobin continued working. He filled his Tulalip home with his own art inspired by the Pacific Northwest, where his ancestors have lived for countless generations.
Gobin died early Monday. He was 79 years old.
Gobin served on the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors for more than two decades, said Stan Jones, who grew up alongside Gobin on the Tulalip Indian Reservation.
“We worked together on fishing issues,” Jones said. “We were back and forth to D.C. probably every two weeks.”
A federal judge ultimately ruled that tribes can take up to half of the region’s salmon and steelhead harvest. That ruling gave tribes the opportunity to manage fish runs alongside state biologists.
Gobin created a small hatchery on the reservation in the 1970s. The hatchery grew and was later named in his honor. The Tulalip Tribes now lead fish restoration efforts in the region.
“Bernie was a commercial fisherman, too,” Jones said. “We all had our beach seines out there and would compete with each other.”
Gobin’s legacy will live on through his artwork, Jones said.
“He was an expert carver, one of the best in the area,” Jones said. “He taught a lot of carvers, and now his sons and grandsons are carvers, too.”
Funeral details were being planned Monday.
Krista J. Kapralos: 425-339-3422, kkapralos@heraldnet.com.
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