A master sculptor and engraver Denis Charette, of Algonquin Métis heritage, was born in 1963 in the Ottawa Valley. A self-taught artist, he works mainly with natural materials such as wood, stone, and antlers. A two-time Canada Council Grant recipient, he studied totem carving with internationally renowned Haida carver Reg Davidson. He later expanded his knowledge of Algonquin cosmogony through meetings with the elders of his community. Art became his way of conveying this age-old wisdom.