Donnie Edenshaw, also known by his Haida name Gaju Xial, which means "Song and Dance Man," is an artist from the Haida Nation. He was born on September 15, 1978, in Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, and was raised in Old Massett, where he continues to live with his family. He is a member of the Skedans Raven clan.
Donnie is the son of Haida artist Cooper Wilson. His journey into art began at the age of ten by creating simple sketches of his father's Argillite pieces. He began carving Argillite at age eleven, in 1989, under the guidance of his father, and later participated in Christian White's apprenticeship program. After mastering Argillite, he expanded his artistic work to carving wood and ivory, and creating gold and silver jewellery. He is known for Argillite sculpture, carving, totem poles, and pencil drawings.
Beyond his visual art, Edenshaw has a strong connection with his Haida culture, having grown up on the land fishing, hunting, and gathering. He was drawn to Haida singing and dancing, and joined the K'a. asdsnee dance group. He performed at Expo '86 and was featured in National Geographic magazine in 1987.
His major works include many Argillite sculptures that are in private collections around the world. He has also established himself as a wood carver; his first large piece was an 11-meter totem pole, which he carved with his Uncle Guujaww, and which was the tallest pole raised in Japan at the time. Two of his pieces were also featured in the 2006 Totems to Turquoise exhibition held at the American Museum of Natural History.
Donnie Edenshaw views his cultural work as a responsibility, stating, "All I do – the art, dancing and singing – is what I have to do. It is a responsibility to show people what we have. Just as I continue to learn about my culture – I have to teach others as well."
