Derek White was born in 1965 and raised on Haida Gwaii. His father, Morris White, was a Chief of the Edinsuu (Edenshaw) Eagle Clan of Kiusta until he passed away in 1997. At a young age, his father gave up his career as a fisherman to become a full-time artist and began carving silver, argillite, gold and wood. Derek’s grandfather, Geoffrey White, was the grandson of the great carver, Charles Edenshaw.

Even with all the artistic influence in his house, Derek did not start carving until he finished high school. He then carved small pieces, and helped his father and brothers carve a red cedar canoe and build the carving shed. He apprenticed under master carver Jim Hart in 1990 until 2000, working on several poles with him—including one in San Francisco and the Edenshaw Memorial Pole, which was raised in front of Jim’s Longhouse in August of 1999. Derek also worked extensively in the Longhouse on a large red cedar piece—the Frog Constellation—and some smaller projects. In 1995, he worked with his brothers Todd and Christian White and his brothers-in-law on the Chief Edenshaw House Frontal Pole, which was carved and raised in 1995. This project was led by master carver Christian White.

In the year 2000, Derek worked in Skidegate for Tim Boyko and the Qay-llnaggay Heritage Centre Society on a pole that was raised in the Spring/Summer of 2001.

Derek is currently focusing on his art, creating intricate jewelry and pieces in multiple media.

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