Ernie Henderson

Ernest Lloyd Henderson was a Kwakwaka’wakw artist and carver from the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and a member of the renowned Henderson family from Campbell River. Ernie was born in 1942 and was one of seventeen children born to Chief Sam Henderson and his wife, May Quocksistala Henderson. Sam Henderson had been born in the village of Ba'as (Blunden Harbour) in the traditional territory of the ‘Nakwaxda’xw, where he was raised within the rich traditions of Kwakwaka'wakw culture. Much of the character and style in Ernie's carvings reveal the influence of Sam Henderson's strict traditional training.

Several of Ernie's siblings became artists, including his brothers Bill, Dan, and Mark. In addition to his work as an artist, Ernie was also a commercial salmon fisherman and skipper of a BC Packers seine boat. He is remembered as a talented carver and was a much-loved member of his community.

Ernie passed his traditional carving style and his respect for the culture onto his son Greg Henderson, who is also a Kwakwaka'wakw artist in Campbell River. 

Ernie passed away in December 1984.