Stephanie Anderson, a member of the Likhsilyu “Small Frog” clan of the Witsuwit’en Nation, is using her art to honour her roots and uplift her community. Based in Terrace, BC, on Tsimshian territory, Stephanie began her fine arts journey at the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art in 2009, later returning as an instructor from 2020 to 2023. Her work reflects a deep connection to her heritage, shaped by ancestral ties to Kwin Begh Yikh, the “House beside the Fire,” and guided by mentorship from master carver Ken McNeil.
In 2021, Stephanie’s first totem pole, Holding Our Children Close, was raised in response to the devastating discovery of unmarked graves at the Kamloops Residential School. She continues to contribute to public memory and healing through works like At the Heart, a mural project dedicated to Indigenous culture and lost lives. Her curatorial leadership and community engagement reinforce her role as both artist and changemaker. Stephanie was named the 2024 Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist, recognizing her powerful contributions to truth, culture, and reconciliation.