Heaton, Derek-Christian
Derek-Christian Heaton, born April 16th, 1970, in rural Quebec, Derek Christian Heaton’s roots are of the Mi’kmaq Nation. Adopted out when he was four years old to a Norwegian mother and Scottish Canadian father, his interest in the arts was evident early in his life. At age five he took up oil painting and by the age of eleven, he was awarded a scholarship to McGill University where he astounded his instructors with his comprehension of the arts and range of art media. Ironically, it was not until Heaton was in his late twenties, when he reconnected with his First Nations roots, that he took up art as a career.
Heaton’s spirited initiative and personality brought him fast recognition as a prolific Native Artist. Adopted by the Haida Nation and granted rights from Henry Seaweed, Derek has been rated among the top 100 Native artists in the world, according to Science World’s 2002 First Nations’ Exhibition. His work strongly reflects influences from Willie Seaweed, Tom Paul, Bill Reid, Art Thompson, Charles Elliot, Charles Edenshaw and, lastly, Robert Huxley (who introduced him to carving). Heaton’s extreme dedication, ambition and personality have earned him respect amongst West Coast Communities.