About James Sewid
Lived 1913 – 1988 (aged 74). James Sewid was a Canadian autobiographer and fisher.
James Sewid, (December 31, 1913 – May 18, 1988) was a Canadian fisherman, author and former Chief councillor of the Kwakwaka'wakw at Alert Bay, British Columbia.
In 1969, he published his autobiography Guests Never Leave Hungry: The Autobiography of James Sewid, a Kwakiutl Indian, edited by James P. Spradley. The book was reprinted in 1995, several years after Sewid's death.
In 1971, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada "for his contributions to the welfare of his people and for fostering an appreciation of their cultural heritage".
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Important facts
Related people
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was James Sewid?
Canadian writer, Kwakwaka'wakw leader and fisher (1913–1988)
When was James Sewid born?
James Sewid was born on 31 December 1913.
When did James Sewid die?
James Sewid died on 18 May 1988.
What was James Sewid's occupation?
James Sewid was an autobiographer and fisher.
What nationality was James Sewid?
James Sewid was Canadian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Sewid. https://biography.guide/james-sewid/
MLA: "James Sewid." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-sewid/.
Chicago: "James Sewid." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-sewid/.
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