Born 1976, Campbell River, British Columbia – Wei Wai Kum First Nation

Junior Henderson is a towering figure in the world of Indigenous Northwest Coast art — a master carver, a cultural torchbearer, and a deeply respected hereditary chief of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Born into a lineage of exceptional Kwakwaka’wakw artists, Junior’s life and work are rooted in tradition, ceremony, and a profound commitment to cultural preservation.

From birth, his path was shaped by ancestral responsibility and artistic legacy. He was given the hereditary chief name Udzistalis by his father, Chief Dan Henderson — a title meaning “Coppers all-around”, signifying both high esteem and the immense cultural value he carries. His traditional name was gifted by his grandmother Mary Henderson, granddaughter of famed Chief Billy Assu of Cape Mudge.

Junior comes from one of the most distinguished artistic families of the Northwest Coast: grandson of Chief Sam Henderson, and nephew of renowned master carvers Bill and Mark Henderson. His father, Dan Henderson, is a respected painter, storyteller, and cultural historian. This heritage formed the foundation of Junior’s deep artistic and spiritual development.

Initiated into the Hamatsa society at the age of two, Junior has been dancing and participating in sacred ceremonies ever since. His formative years were spent immersed in the cultural and ceremonial life of the Kwakwaka’wakw people. By age 12, he was apprenticing in painting and design under Mark Henderson, and by 15, he was carving under Bill Henderson — absorbing the techniques, symbolism, and sacred responsibilities that define the Kwakwaka’wakw carving tradition.

He has also drawn profound inspiration from his brother Johnathan Henderson, cousin Tom Hunt, and legendary carver Willie Seaweed.

A Deeply Symbolic and Innovative Artist
Junior’s work is celebrated not only for its impeccable craftsmanship but for its deep cultural resonance. Every carving — whether mask, panel, or totem — is steeped in meaning, drawn from ancient forms yet reimagined with his own spirit and style. He often employs bold, innovative techniques, including chainsaw carving, pushing traditional boundaries while remaining faithful to the teachings of his ancestors.

Among his most ambitious recent creations is a Transformation Pole — a rare and complex piece that opens like a transformation mask, revealing hidden spiritual layers within. His 8.5-foot “Raven, Beaver, and Grandmother Pole” is another example of his ability to capture lineage, mythology, and sacred teachings in monumental form.

In 2000, he and Bill Henderson were selected to carve the monumental poles for the Kwanwatsi Big House of the Wei Wai Kum Nation — a prestigious cultural commission that solidified his status as a ceremonial and artistic leader in his community.

A Cultural Leader and Visionary
Today, Junior Henderson stands not only as an exceptional artist but as a cultural bridge between generations. He continues to sing, dance, mentor youth, and participate in potlatches — ensuring that Kwakwaka’wakw traditions remain vibrant and visible. He is a tireless advocate for Indigenous knowledge, ceremony, and artistry — and a respected figure in both native and non-native communities across Canada.

To own a piece by Junior Henderson is to own a living thread of Northwest Coast heritage — a masterwork that resonates with spirit, story, and legacy.