CULTURAL GROUP:
Wuikinuxv

BORN:
January 5, 1944 (d. August 13, 1992)

BIRTHPLACE:
Vancouver, BC

Dennis Michael Hanuse was born to Ada Hanuse in Vancouver and was from the Wuikinuxv Nation in Rivers Inlet, B.C. Dennis’s early childhood was spent in Steveston, B.C. where his mother worked in the net lofts. When his mother contracted tuberculosis, Dennis was sent to the St. Michael's Indian Residential School, Alert Bay with his brother. After leaving, Dennis worked as a commercial fisherman and then as a machinist at Boeing Industries in Seattle. In 1969 he returned to school at Vancouver City College. During this period, he carved miniature totem poles and small plaques. In 1972 he attended Langara College where he met Bud Mintz, of Potlatch Arts, who encouraged his carving. For one summer Dennis lived in Victoria where he shared a house with Frances Williams, a Haida artist who taught Dennis jewellery carving. Dennis developed a bold style with intricate detail, becoming known for his works in gold and silver. He was also a member of the American Indian Movement and is remembered as a kind man who was very politically minded.