ARTIST FEATURE

WALKING INTO THE WAVERLY HOTEL in Cumberland, I see two hard working guys at the back, by the fireplace. Happy to see both their faces, I joined in the discussion of their current projects and what the future holds for chainsaw carving legend Junior Henderson. My sit down with Junior and Karver Everson ended with an amazing lunch and a great story!

Hailing from a strong family legacy of First Nation Carvers from the Wei Wai Kum Nation, Henderson is working with Karver as an Artist Mentor and Elder; right now they are stationed in Cumberland working on two welcome figures for the new Dawn-To-Dawn housing project. Art is always about flow and the medium you are working with; we get chatting about the welcome figures and Junior tells me that originally their plan was for a Man figure and a Woman figure. After learning more about the Dawn-To-Dawn project and the society, he and Karver decided to add two children, one with each figure, to recognize this as Family Housing and the importance of youth in community.

Henderson has been competing for decades in Chainsaw Carving Competitions. He has competed internationally and featured on television, which was an honour and a bit nerve

wrenching. “There was a time when I may have taken my talents for granted. I see value in my talent and sharing culture – it is our way of life,” he says.

For the past two years, he's been mentoring Karver, using chainsaw carving as the main tool for traditional First Nations 3D carving. His chainsaw of choice? “Echo Saws all the way!” he tells me as we both laugh – straight from Terry’s Power Equipment in Campbellton. “Looking at our heritage and art history, tools have played an incredible important role in carving,” Henderson says. “My legacy is to pass on the knowledge of our ways to the next generation. It’s humbling to have the opportunity to work with a young, talented Artist such as Karver.”

Everson says, “I was looking for mentors as we don’t have a designated carving shed in K’omoks. I began mentoring with Calvin Hunt from Fort Rupert and now I have the great honour of working with Junior. I am very proud to be able, in present day, to be working with him. Junior being the man he is just enjoys everyday.”

Watching these two Artists interacting and working together is fascinating. Their grandparents were very close friends and their legacy to continue the friendship and carve together is very special for both of them.

When I ask Henderson to reflect on his past projects and his own mentors, he lights up with memories and acknowledgements. “Contemporary is not really my way, but I like fancying pieces up with abalone and copper. I have been involved with numerous totem pole projects, 3 canoes and 3 Big Houses through 25 years of carving. I feel very lucky to have had all these amazing opportunities,” he says.

He acknowledges his family’s place in the First Nation Art World and we touch on some of the greats who have shared their talents and time mentoring him: Bill Henderson, Jonathan Henderson, Beau Dick and more. Henderson finds inspiration everywhere and truly enjoys giving back through Potlatch gifting and helping his Elders and family members prepare for these celebrations.

Henderson is splitting time between current projects. He is also working on a 44’ canoe project with Max Chickite at Carihi Secondary School in Campbell River - another great way of sharing knowledge and giving back to youth and community. It’s a family affair with Jessica Chickite, Max’s incredibly talented daughter, lined up to paint the canoe once completed. The project is creating a balanced presence with Wei Wai Kum and We Wai Kai First Nations and both male and female artistic input. “The canoe project is really meant to show the indigenous way of life – the simple steps of everyday life and showing youth how to walk and live in our cultural way,” says Henderson.

When asked about his favourite project, Henderson smiles and talks about being the Lead Carver on the Port Hardy Big House. He shares that in his youth he had high hopes of leading a Big House project—and 20 years later that dream came true. While working away in Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw on the Big House project, Henderson took time to work with youth and roughed out a totem pole for them to work on. “They did 70+% of the work; I just kept them going with ideas through my mentorship. The totem and Big House are scheduled to be raised sometime in 2023-24,” he speculates.

“I was fortunate to have been brought up in ‘culture’; I wouldn’t be carving today if it wasn’t for my grandfather and grandmother, Sam and May Henderson,” Henderson sayssentimentally. There was a time when he was young and embarrassed by putting on his regalia but now he holds his pride high for his culture. As for Reconciliation, Henderson thinks we are walking forward gently and looks to the next generation for inclusiveness and a better understanding.

As for his future plans, he is looking towards a solo Art Show which would encompass all his work, from the beginning stages to present. Henderson will continue with his passion of teaching and passing on his cultural knowledge. He continues to reside in Campbell River as a member of Wei Wai Kum Nation and enjoys spending time with his daughter and family.

My legacy is to pass on the knowledge of our ways to the next generation.

To find more of Junior Henderson’s incredible work, connect with him on Junior the Carver or visit Spirits of the West Coast Gallery in Courtenay with his current family show, Looking After A Legacy, on till the end of December 2022

FEATURE ARTIST JUNIOR HENDERSON Hawk Sun Mask