Belt Buckle depicting Eagle by Bill Helin, Tsimshian

Belt Buckle depicting Eagleby Bill Helin, Tsimshian First Nationhand carved sterling silver2” high x 2.25” long, for a 1” belt Bill Helin's proud First Nation heritage has played an important role in his growth as an artist. Helin is of the Tsimshian Indian Nation, born and raised  in the Northwest coastal community of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.  His Grandfather, Henry William Helin, was Chief of the Gitlan Tribe, and his Grandmother, Maud Helin, was Chieftainess of the Gitgeese Tribe.  They raised a family of seven in the remote Northwest coast Indian village of Port Simpson, B.C. When his Grandmother came to live with his family, Bill spent many hours listening as she spoke of the ways of the past. Through his 'Granny', Bill learned first hand the many legends of the Tsimshian. Helin's artistic nature was evident even at a very early age. For the most part, Helin's artistry is self-taught.  He learned from books, and was soon mastering techniques such as three dimensional formi