Donnie Edenshaw

Born 1978, Queen Charlotte City, BC

Donnie Edenshaw (Gaju Xial)  is a Raven from Skedans Village on Haida Gwaii. He was born in Queen Charlotte City and raised in Old Massett by his parents Brenda Edenshaw and Cooper Wilson. He is the nephew of well-known carver, Jim Edenshaw, and great-grandson of the renowned Haida artist, Charles Edenshaw. Donnie started carving argillite when he was twelve, and now works in wood, gold, silver, and ivory as well.

 Edenshaw has always had a great interest in Haida art and culture. He focused the earlier part of his life into representing the Haida Nation through song and dance. He began dancing at the age of three, started his own dance group at sixteen, and has become an renowned singer and dancer.

At 11 he began carving under the guidance of his father and worked in both argillite and cedar. He has worked on several monumental pieces including several totem poles. The largest pole he’s carved is 50' and stands in front of the Old Massett Village Council Office. Donnie believes that as a part of the younger generation he can reach out and connect with the youth of the Haida Nation through his teaching of Haida song, dance, and carving.