“Argillite Carver: Christian White” Series 1 Episode 4

Multi-disciplinary artist Christian White carves elaborate Haida stories, imbued with a sense of tradition, into an indigenous slate known as argillite. A descendant of Charles Edenshaw, Christian learned to carve from his father, the late Morris White, whose achievements include constructing an ocean-going canoe. In this documentary, Christian works alongside his apprentices at his studio in Masset, British Columbia. The mystery of his art, however, does not unfold until a quiet conversation about his latest panel pipe brings out his passions.

Shot on British Columbia's rugged northwest coast, Ravens and Eagles: Haida Art delves into the roots of traditional Haida art and traces the genesis of today's generation of Haida carvers, singers, dancers, weavers and performers. Over two series, Ravens and Eagles explores some of the wider historical and political issues of the repatriation of Haida artifacts, the vital potlatch ceremony once declared illegal by the Canadian government, and the fight to preserve old growth forest on Haida land. Created by Haida filmmaker Marianne Jones and Jeff Bear, Ravens and Eagles approaches Haida art and culture from the Haida perspective.

Produced by: Jeff Bear, Marianne Jones, Ravens and Eagles Productions