[1] Holm's 1965 book Northwest Coast Indian Art: An Analysis of Form has for decades been the standard introductory text in the field.

Prior to his career as an artist and art historian, Holm was enlisted in the army and served in as part of a field artillery observation battalion in France during World War II.

Martin would give Holm the names Namsgamuti (He Speaks Only Once), Hamtsi'stesalagalis (Unrestrained Hamatsa Everywhere), Ho'miskanis (Plenty of Everything, literally, Surplus Food from the River).

[3] Holm was also named Tlalelitla (Continually Inviting) by Chief William Scow, Henry Bell, and Joe Seaweed.

[5] British Columbia Provincial judge Alfred Scow, a Kwakwaka'wakw elder, said "[Bill Holm] has been a respectful student of our tradition, who took pains to learn Kwakwala.