KELVIN THOMPSON
Heritage
- Ojibway
Kelvin Thompson was born in Northern Manitoba in
1958 and is of Ojibway decent.
Kelvin was adopted into the Haisla Nation after
studying under Barry and Derek Wilson at the
Vancouver Indian Centre in 1979. While studying at
the Indian Centre, Kelvin carved a totem pole with
Henry Robertson, another Haisla master carver.
Kelvin is always trying new design techniques, from
oxidizing to intricate cut-out work. In the recent
past, Kelvin has taught many artists to carve and is
passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge.
From September 2007 to February 2008, Kelvin aided
Kwakwaka’wakw artist Dan Wallace in teaching the
first annual northwest coast jewellery program,
which was held at Vancouver’s Native Education
College.