Terry Starr
Tsimshian Nation
(1951)
Terry Starr was born in March of 1951 and is a member of the Gispax Laats Tribe of the Tsimshian Nation. Starr’s mother was a member of the Eagle Clan from Kitsumkalum Nation, and his father was from the Killer Whale Clan of Lax kw’alaams, also known as Port Simpson. Starr’s predominant Crest is the Eagle and his subcrest is the Killer Whale. He was given the traditional name Thla-enak which means “It’s been a long time” after returning to the village of Laxkwalaams after a long absence.
Starr works with a variety of mediums, including wood carving, logo design, and ceremonial drums. His notable works include two full-scale replicas of traditional Tsimshian Bighouses, one of which is located at the Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec, and the other in the village of Lax kw’alaams where he grew up. Starr currently lives and works in Vancouver, British Columbia.
