Doreen Jensen facts for kids

Doreen Jensen (born May 13, 1933 – died September 18, 2009), also known as Ha'hl Yee, was an important Gitxsan elder, artist, carver, activist, and teacher. She was known for her dedication to her culture and her beautiful artwork.

About Doreen Jensen's Life

Doreen Jensen was born in Kispiox, British Columbia. She belonged to the House of Geel, which is part of the Fireweed Clan. Her great-grandmother's bedroom was where she was born, with the help of a traditional medicine woman. Doreen was also the sister of another famous artist, Chief Walter Harris.

Early Learning and Education

Doreen's early education was very special. She learned about her culture through oral history, which means stories and knowledge passed down by speaking. Her parents and grandparents taught her the Gitxsan language, songs, legends, and customs.

She went to a local day school in Kispiox. Later, she attended a boarding school for two years. After that, she returned to a public high school in Prince Rupert. Once she finished high school, she went back to her home territory to work.

Becoming a Master Carver

Doreen Jensen learned how to carve at the Gitanmaax School of Northwest Indian Design. She was taught by two very skilled carvers, Tony Hunt and Henry Hunt. This training helped her become a master of traditional Indigenous art.

Community Leadership and Teaching

Doreen was a founding member of several important groups. These included the ‘Ksan Village Association and the Society of Canadian Artists of Native Ancestry. She also helped lead the Gitksan and Wet'suwet'en Vancouver Support Group.

She served on the board of trustees for the National Museum of Nature in Ottawa and Emily Carr University. Doreen also taught traditional art practices at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, sharing her knowledge with new generations of artists.

Her work and life were even featured in a film called Hands of History by Loretta Todd, which was made by the National Film Board.

Doreen Jensen and her husband, Vergil, lived in South Surrey, BC. They had four children and four grandchildren.

Teaching the Gitxsan Language

Doreen Jensen was a very skilled speaker of the Gitxsan language. Her cousin, Lonnie Hindle, worked with a linguist named Bruce Rigsby to create a way to write down the language using sounds. Because Doreen was so good at speaking Gitxsan, she taught the language to both children and adults. She even taught classes at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Showcasing Indigenous Art: Exhibitions

Doreen Jensen was not only an artist but also a curator. A curator is someone who organizes and puts together art shows.

Robes of Power Exhibition (1983)

In 1983, Doreen curated an exhibit at the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) called Robes of Power. The goal of this exhibit was to show how strong Indigenous traditions are. It also highlighted how Indigenous women and men work together to create beautiful ceremonial robes. These robes, with their bold patterns and bright colors, are also seen as amazing works of art. The exhibit also helped people understand that different Indigenous groups have their own unique identities within Canada. After being shown in Australia, Robes of Power came to the MOA.

Topographies Exhibition (1996)

In 1996, Doreen Jensen helped organize another important art show at the Vancouver Art Gallery called Topographies: aspects of recent BC art. In this exhibit, Doreen helped explain the carvings and weavings made by First Nations artists. She focused on how the idea of "metamorphosis" (which means a big change) connects to time, space, place, and being.

Through My Eyes (1998)

Doreen also contributed to an exhibit at the Vancouver Museum in 1998. This show was called Through My Eyes: Northwest Coast Artifacts.

Awards and Recognition

Doreen Jensen received many awards and honors for her important work and contributions:

• 1992: She received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of British Columbia (UBC).
• 1993: The Vancouver YMCA gave her the "Woman of Distinction" award.
• She was honored with the Golden Eagle Feather from the Professional Native Women’s Association.
• 2008: She was nominated for the BC Governor General Award.