Tehanenia’kwè:tarons -Wakhskare:wake,
Kenhtè:ke Kanyen’kehá:ka

Cutter of Stone, David R. Maracle,
He is of the Bear Clan, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte 

David R. Maracle, born with the gift of a restless, relentless creative spirit, is very proud of his Haudenosaunee/Kanyen’kehá:ka culture. At just seventeen he sold his first stone carving. Today, his works can be found in private and public collections around the world. In addition to being a master sculptor, Maracle is a writer and multi-instrumentalist; he plays 50 global instruments, some of which he crafted by hand. He is also a prolific producer of events and experiences, and a regular host to satisfied visitors at his lakeside retreat in Tyendinaga.

Maracle credits the Creator of all things natural, as well as his parents for inspiration and encouragement throughout his forty-year career in the arts.

His father, a respected Elder, spoke all six dialects of the Haudenosaunee language, and dedicated a lifetime to  teaching and sharing his wisdom and culture around the world.

When David left school, his mother asked him to promise to touch people with all six senses. And that he does to this day.

“My music is based on the 528 hertz frequency that is known to help heal people,” he explains. Maracle has played his ethereal musical creations for the Senate at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and at the opening of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

His licensed musical compilations can be heard in several films and commercials, including in Samuel L. Jackson’s award-winning 2020 documentary series, Enslaved: The Lost History of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. 

Two gold medals from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA),  one from Music Canada and several cherished Indigenous Music Awards are just some of his accolades and treasured memories.

One of Maracle’s  sculptures won a first prize from Arizona’s prestigious Heard Museum, while Queen’s University hosts two of his stone installations. Another notable piece of work was gifted to the late Nelson Mandela on one of his visits to Canada.

Gratitude is central.  “If we are not thankful,” he says, “we will miss out on our abilities, and opportunities for life.”

Missing out is definitely not part of his repertoire. While the details remain secret, Maracle is supporting the vision for a creative destination for healing that promises to be a boon to local tourism. “I don’t want to ever waste time. I am here to exercise my mind and learn.”

Lucky for us, there’s more to come.