April White

Haida Nation

April White was born on Haida Gwaii, of the Yahgu’jaanaas Raven Clan. Through her father, she is a direct descendant of the renowned Stastas Eagle Chief and Haida Artist, Charles Edenshaw. April has dozens of relatives living in these islands, all practicing indigenous art–painting, sculpting, totem poles, carving masks using cedar bark and spruce root in weaving, jewelry making, steaming bentwood boxes and creating art out of Argillite – these include her brother Darrel White, and her cousins Christian White, Derek White, Jim Hart and Gwaai Edenshaw.  She is also a relative of the late Bill Reid.

April White received her Bachelor of Science degree in geology from the University of British Columbia. She has worked as a geologist in remote areas of the Canadian West, an experience which has been of assistance in developing the visual faculty essential to creating her works of art. It wasn’t until the mid-eighties that April decided to completely devote herself to her painting. Entirely self-taught, April’s natural inclination stems from her Haida heritage, where being an artist is an honoured profession.