Arts & Récits Autochtones - Wolf and Moon

My name is Stephanie Anderson, I am from the Laksilyu “Small frog” clan, Kwen Beegh Yex “House beside the fire” of the Wet’suwet’en nation. I have been creating artistic works since a young age, and creativity has been the forefront theme of my life. I take care with my artwork to and try to achieve a fine finish as I complete them. I have taken many steps to better myself as a wet’suwet’en woman and artist over the years including an active cultural participation and enrolling in fine arts programs. My strength comes from my T’so “Grandma” Violet Gellenbeck, who has worked in the Witset community for most of her life. She is a hereditary clan chief, has co-written historic non-fiction books on wet’suwet’en history and culture, worked tirelessly to record verbal history handed down over time immemorial, and engaged our nation in the revival of our traditional language. She has the strength that runs through my veins, our community, and our mothers before her.

I had been practicing my artwork for many years but it was in my late 20s that I made the decision I wanted to be a full-time artist. My previous experiences of selling jewellery at the local market and my childhood around a home based business gave me an idea the kind of life I was stepping into. To be successful, support myself and share my vision with the world is my goal. This award will help me achieve those goals and give me a greater confidence in the years to come as I bring my talents to Witset in the form of workshops and regalia.