HENDERSON JOHNATHAN MAXWELL

Johnathan Maxwell Henderson is member of the Campbell River Weiwalkum Band. He was born in Alert Bay, BC in 1969. As a child, Johnathan had the rare opportunity to watch his grandfather Sam Henderson, carve totem poles. At the age of 13 Johnathan began carving and designing himself.
In 1986, Johnathan moved to Campbell River where he studied and learned more about Kwaguilth art styles from his father as well as his uncles Mark and Bill Henderson.
Johnathan primarily works with red and yellow cedar. In addition to masks and model poles he also specializes in original paintings and seragraphs.
When initiated as a Hamatsa dancer, Johnathan’s father gave him the name ‘hak’hakya galis’ which means “the man standing on the beach with his mouth open”.
Johnathan is currently learning traditional songs under the tutelage of Chief Frank Nelson and listening to tapes of elders.
Johnathan holds a certificate from the professional cook training program of Malispina College in Nanaimo. He is currently starting his apprenticeship.
Johnathan is the father of one son and resides in Victoria while continuing to pursue his painting and carving.