Joe Peters Jr. (1959‑1994), a member of the Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations, was born in Alert Bay, a small village on an island near Vancouver Island, British Columbia. He came from a long line of accomplished dancers, singers, and artists, and this cultural heritage deeply informed his artistic path. Peters began carving at the age of six—partly self-taught but also trained by his father and grandfather, Jack James. He was formally trained by Dwayne Simeon, who introduced him to the fundamentals of mask carving and design.Peters was strongly influenced by the renowned Kwakwaka’wakw carvers Beau Dick and Russell Smith. He continued to refine his craft during a formative period working with Tony Hunt and John Livingston at the Arts of the Raven workshop in Victoria, British Columbia. Joe Peters Jr. became known for his finely crafted masks, rattles, bowls, and model poles—works that reflect a deep respect for tradition combined with his own evolving style. His artwork is held in both public and private collections across Europe, Mexico, and the United States.