This annotation explores the life of Wilson Duff, a pioneering BC anthropologist and museologist known for his significant contributions to the study of First Nations cultures of the Northwest Coast. Born in 1925 in Vancouver, Duff's early life was influenced by the Great Depression and World War II. An intelligent student, he advanced quickly in school but enlisted in the Air Force after one year at the University of British Columbia. As a navigator on a Liberator bomber in India, he faced the traumas of war. Upon returning, he resumed his studies at UBC, where he developed a passion for anthropology and museum studies. Serving as provincial anthropologist at the BC Provincial Museum from 1950 to 1965 and later at UBC, Duff significantly shaped the understanding of First Nations cultures in Canada. He forged relationships with Indigenous Peoples during his fieldwork and focused on Northwest Coast cultures, authoring key works such as *Arts of the Raven* and *Images Stone B.C.* His teachings left a lasting impact on students regarding Indigenous cultures and settler colonialism. Despite his struggles with depression, which ultimately led to his suicide at age 51, Duff believed in reincarnation. Biographer Robin Fisher delves into Duff's life, the evolution of anthropological studies, and the historical context of his time, offering insights into the complexities of his legacy and its relevance today.
