About Dennis Shorty – a Musician, a Master Carver, an Artist, a Craftsman, a Knowledge Keeper and Teller of traditional Kaska heritage stories that are passed down orally from generation to generation. 

Born of Kaska indigenous heritage, Dennis Shorty has lived most of his life near Ross River, Yukon. By watching his grandfather and father carve traditional tools and toys, Dennis became interested in art.



For him, making art is a spiritual path and a way to communicate with his ancestors. After a difficult period in Residential Schools during the 60’s and 70’s when the Canadian government tried to assimilate Indigenous peoples and wipe out their culture, Dennis has led a strong personal mission to revive his cultural heritage.

Dennis’s mission in life, now supported by his partner, Jenny, is to bring the rich folk art, the traditional music, the Kaska language and the foods of his ancestors, to a wider audience. The couple and their business continue to be based in the community of Ross River, Yukon.

As part of rediscovering his Kaska heritage, Dennis and Jenny gather native plants and herbs from the bush and get traditional meats like moose from indigenous hunters.

This artist has a studio available to visit. Go to the Studio Listing.