Janie Henderson
Born in Metlakatla, Alaska, Janie H. Henderson is a Tsimshian artist of the Killerwhale clan. Metlakatla is the only settlement of the Indigenous Tsimshian people in the United States and is the only Indian reservation in Alaska. The late Tsimshian master carver Jack C. Hudson was her teacher and mentor. A man known for his Northwest Coast art and design, cultural pride and kind patience, Jack Hudson continues to be a major influence and inspiration to Janie and other aspiring Northwest Coast Native artists.
Metlakatla’s history and Tsimshian culture are very important to Janie. Her grandmother was three years old when her family joined other Tsimshian people to travel the Pacific Ocean in a dugout canoe from Old Metlakatla, British Columbia, Canada to “New” Metlakatla, Annette Island, Alaska with William Duncan, an Anglican missionary. The group settled on the island in a calm bay with a nearby waterfall, accessible beaches and abundant fish. However, her grandparent’s new life came with new rules and hardships. They sacrificed much of their cultural identity to build a better future for generations to come. For a time, her ancestors were forbidden to speak their Native language, practice their carving, weaving, dance, music and oral traditions. Today, the people of Metlakatla come together to celebrate the revival of their art, language (Sm’algyax), and the traditional ways of generations past.
Janie feels it is an honor to be part of such a resilient Timshian people and beautiful culture. Each of her original Northwest Coast designs is distinctive, impeccably drafted and tells a story representative of her life and her heritage. From her design work, Janie creates a unique painting. The painting is photographed and an unlimited edition of each piece is printed on archival paper. Janie keeps the original painting for her personal collection. She feels each one of her brush strokes is made with care and is a preservation of her people’s history. “Learn, embrace, share “ is the Tsimshian ideal she lives through her art.
