Carol is a member of the Eagle Clan of the Haida Nations of Haida Gwaii, or as the Europeans named it, the Queen Charlotte Islands. Her clan is the Tsiij git'anee. They are matrilineal so when introduced one always says who their mothers and grandmothers where. Carols great grandmother was Susan Yakwosh. Her grandmother, who passed away when her mother was only a few months old, was Maria Kilthdlaiga. Her mother is Freda Courtney, previously Bagshaw, nee Jones. In Haida tradition, if you are born to a Haida woman, you are Haida.

Carols artwork has allowed her to learn of her Haida heritage. It is pride of her connections to this land makes Carol strive to put her best efforts into her artwork.

Carol started sculpting dolls in 2001. Each doll is hand made with polymer clay. She tries to use natural, traditional materials for the regalia. She weaves with the cedar bark, was taught wood and argillite carving by her Nephew Lawrence Knowles and carves simple miniature masks in alder wood and cedar and miniature pendants in argillite. The Melton wool button blanket designs are her own designs. Carol uses old photographs of the peoples of Northern BC to sculpt her dolls.

She is grateful for the gifts the creator has given her and gives back to her community by donating her work to groups who assist others in bettering their lives. Carol says "The best gifts are given freely, with no expectations, and my best moments are to personally give a piece of my art to a child... an elder... This is my way of honoring their lives... their spirit... Their smiles are priceless."

It is her belief that the knowledge one acquires is to be given away, and Carol looks forward to any opportunity where she can share her skills and knowledge with others and pass along what the creator has gifted her with!

Carols art is in the homes of people in Maryland, Kansas, Alaska, California, New York, Washington, Washington DC, British Columbia, England, Poland, Quebec, Alberta, and in several galleries on Vancouver Island and Vancouver.

Howa
Carol Young (nee Bagshaw)