Henry Kelly

Nisga’a / Tsimshian Nations

Henry Kelly’s mother is Nisga’a and his father is Tsimshian. Henry was born in Prince Rupert, BC and raised in the village of Gitlakdamix, in the Nass Valley. It was here that he learned the traditional values of his people.

Henry was only 15 years old when he first took a Northwest Coast Art class at the Secondary School which he attended. After that, in 1989, renowned carver Dempsey Bob introduced Henry to making tools and carving in alder wood. Since then his training has taken him to the Freda Diesling School of Northwest Coast Art, under the tutelage of Stan Bevan and Ken McNeil, two world-renowned carvers.

Henry has produced numerous pieces of work, including masks, paddles, miniature poles, bowls, ceremonial rattles, bentwood boxes and spoons.

Henry is dedicated to the community. He is involved in the First Nations Role Model Program within the Prince Rupert school district. He has also done work for the First Nations elders and has been employed by the Friendship House Society.