Junior Henderson is the hereditary chief of the Weiwaikum Band of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation from Campbell River, British Columbia. Born in 1976, Junior inherited the Henderson family’s artistic talent from his grandfather Chief Sam Henderson, a distinguished Kwakwaka’wakw Master carver; his uncle, Bill Henderson, renowned carver; his uncle Mark Henderson, eminent traditional painter and his father Dan Henderson, artist, storyteller and cultural historian.

Junior has been given the hereditary chief name of “Udzistalis” from his father, Chief Dan Henderson. His traditional name from his late grandmother, May Henderson and granddaughter of chief Billy Assu of Cape Mudge, means “Coppers all around” or “he has the value and esteem of coppers”. He was initiated into the Hamatsa society at the age of two and has been dancing traditionally ever since.

Junior’s childhood was immersed in the rich artistic legacy of his uncles and grandfather . He began apprenticing with his uncle Mark Henderson (for painting and design-work) at the age of twelve and, a few years later, with his uncle Bill Henderson (for carving). Junior has also drawn inspiration from his brother, Johnathan Henderson; cousin Tommy Hunt and Willie Seaweed. In 2000, he and Bill Henderson carved the totem poles for the Weiwaikum First Nation’s big House in Campbell River . Junior is a significant cultural bearer for his people; furthering the role of traditional work in a continually evolving culture.