Eagle, Dogfish, Beaver & Frog Box

I am Haida from Old Massett and have lived on Haida Gwaii all my life and still reside there.

My father, Morris White, was Chief of the Edinsu (Edenshaw) Eagle Clan of Kiusta until he passed away in 1997. His father, Geoffrey White, was the grandson of the great carver, Charles Edenshaw. My father gave up fishing when I was a little boy, and began carving silver, argillite, gold and wood. I witnessed Robert Davidson’s first Pole raising in 1969, as we lived right next door. I did not begin carving until after I finished high school. I started carving small things in 1985 part-time doing carpentry, and helping my father and brothers on a red cedar Canoe and carving shed the rest of the time.

I witnessed every major Pole Raising on Haida Gwaii in the last several years. I began apprenticing under Master carver, Jim Hart, around 1990-91 up until 2000, working on several major projects. I worked on several poles, including one we completed in San Francisco. I also worked extensively in his Longhouse, the Frog Constellation, (a huge sculpture in red cedar), and some smaller projects. In 1995, I worked with my brothers, Christian White, Todd and brothers-in-laws, on the Chief Edenshaw House Frontal Pole which was carved and raised in 1995. This project was led by master carver, Chris White. I worked for Jim Hart on the Edenshaw Memorial Pole, which was raised in front of his Longhouse in August of 1999.

In the year 2000, I worked in Skidegate for Tim Boyko and the Qay’llnagaay Heritage Centre Society on a Pole that was raised in the Spring/Summer of 2001. I continue to work on small projects and various commissions, mostly jewelry in Silver or Gold. I will hopefully soon express myself in my own projects that I am currently working towards.