Chilkat Weaver Kerri Dick Passes Away at Age 41
### Kerri Dick: Celebrating the Legacy of a Master Chilkat Weaver and Indigenous Art Advocate
The Indigenous art community mourns the loss of **Kerri Dick** (Kwakwaka’wakw, Haida, Tlingit, Kootenay), a master Chilkat weaver and a celebrated figure for her exceptional contributions to First Nations art, community, and education. At just 41, her passing has left a deep impact on many people, highlighted in a recent **Facebook** announcement by her family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
A highly skilled artisan, Kerri Dick’s **artistic journey** was rooted in the lineage of renowned creators and cultural torchbearers within Indigenous traditions. She skillfully combined the art forms of weaving, carving, and beading that are integral to Indigenous art traditions of the Pacific Northwest, and shared her talents with her local Haida Gwaii community.
### Early Life and Cultural Heritage
Dick was born in 1983 in **Burnaby, British Columbia** into a family deeply connected to Indigenous art and tradition. Her father, the late *Chief Beau Dick*, was a respected Kwakwaka’wakw mask maker whose influence was far-reaching, while her mother, *Sherri Dick*, is a notable Haida artist.
With such a rich cultural heritage and exposure to creativity, Kerri was introduced to **Chilkat weaving** at the age of eight. Chilkat weaving is an ancient and intricate finger-twining art form originating from First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, characterized by its complex use of curved patterns and shapes.
Her artistic education came from various First Nations mentors, including **Primrose Adams** (Haida), **William White** (Tsimshian), **Donna Cranmer** (’Namgis Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw), and **April Churchill** (Git’ans Gitanee), who deeply influenced her style and technique. Studying her ancestors’ works, including pieces by **Emily White** and **Isabella Edenshaw** in museums, Kerri developed a deep respect for the legacy of Indigenous artistry.
### Weaving Traditions and Innovations
Kerri went on to become a master in weaving with **yellow and red cedar bark** and **spruce root**, showcasing her ability to integrate ancient practices into modern artistic presentations. She also drew inspiration from **Ravenstail** weaving, another weaving style known for its geometric patterns. While deeply rooted in tradition, her work often introduced **wool Ravenstail elements**, creating a fusion of ancient techniques with contemporary materials.
Her works captured the eye of many institutions, now present in collections such as **U’mista Cultural Centre**, the **Museum of Northern British Columbia**, and the **University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology**. Yet, her longtime collaborator and gallery director **Sarah Macaulay** points out that Kerri’s focus was always her **community and family** rather than personal recognition in the art world.
### A Life of Teaching and Community Engagement
One of Dick’s enduring passions was passing down her knowledge to younger generations. Her cousin, carver **Corey Bulpitt**, highlighted her “genuine” personality and noted that she lived “without fear,” always embracing her unique style and approach to life — traits that resonated with those she mentored and taught.
Kerri spent much of her life traveling between communities, teaching **Chilkat weaving** to young people. This dedication not only preserved an ancient art form but also empowered the younger members of First Nations communities to connect with their cultural heritage.
Her weaving practices transcended the individual and became about **communal efforts**, much like her father’s approach. Both artists regularly worked alongside other Indigenous creators, ensuring to uplift them, provide them with platforms, and spread the appreciation for Indigenous arts within broader circles.
### A Meaningful Artistic Legacy
In 2022, Kerri Dick expanded her impact into the global art scene with a **solo exhibition** at New York’s **Diana gallery**. Her insistence on featuring her family in the exhibit — alongside her mother and brother **Jay Bellis** — underscored her core belief that artistic expression was a collective journey rather than an individual showcase. This focus on community reflected a family tradition rooted in sharing knowledge and creating spaces for other artists, especially those from their own Indigenous communities, to shine.
Despite her growing recognition in the international art world, her work centered around celebrating and preserving her cultural legacy, remaining grounded in teaching, family, and tradition.
### A Heartfelt Goodbye
Kerri Dick is survived by her mother *Sherri Dick*, her brother *Jay Bellis*, and her children *Gavin Konschuh*, *Beau Dick-Biron*, and *Lavina “Livy” Dick*. Her legacy continues through her family and extended networks of artists and students.
Her influence was not just how she created art, but how