CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BORN:
September 15, 1978

BIRTHPLACE:
Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, BC

Donnie Edenshaw is a member of the Skedans Raven clan. He was raised in Old Massett, where he continues to live with his family. As a young child, he had a very strong connection with his Haida culture. He grew up on the land fishing salmon, hunting deer, and digging clams. He was drawn to Haida singing and dancing, and he joined the K’a.asdsnee Dance Group, which Claude Davidson and his wife, Sarah, held in their home. He performed at Expo '86, and was featured in National Geographic in 1987. He started carving in 1989 at age eleven under the guidance of his father, Cooper Wilson. Donnie’s major works include many argillite sculptures that are in private collections around the world. He has also established his name as a wood carver. His first large piece was an 11-meter totem pole, the tallest pole raised in Japan at the time, which he carved with his Uncle Guujaww. Two of Donnie's pieces were featured in the 2006 Totems to Turquoise exhibition held at the American Museum of Natural History.