Damien’s Life Story

Damien Hinks was a Mi'kmaq artist from Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River, Newfoundland and Labrador. Raised in a large and close-knit family, Damien's passion for art was deeply rooted in his Mi'kmaq heritage. His father was a respected storyteller, and his grandmother was a well-known medicine woman within the community. Their knowledge, wisdom, and teachings became a lifelong source of inspiration for his artwork.

From an early age, Damien demonstrated a natural artistic talent. He began drawing and painting as a young child and was recognized for his creativity and promise as an artist. Although life eventually led him down other paths, his love for art never faded. He pursued careers in law enforcement and conservation, which allowed him to travel extensively throughout Atlantic Canada, further strengthening his appreciation for the people, cultures, wildlife, and landscapes that would later become central themes in his work.

Damien later made his home in Red Bank First Nation, New Brunswick, where a period of personal growth, encouragement, and self-discovery inspired him to return to painting. His renewed passion for creating art became a meaningful way to express his identity, experiences, and connection to his Mi'kmaq roots.

He later relocated to Fort McMurray, Alberta, where he lived with his life partner for several years. Following her passing, Damien returned home to Miawpukek First Nation, where he spent the final years of his life surrounded by family, community, and the place that had always shaped his spirit. He passed away at the age of 56 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and wood carving, Damien viewed every piece of art as an expression of personal growth, cultural pride, and spiritual connection. His artwork combines traditional Mi'kmaq teachings with his own life experiences, creating paintings that honor both the past and the present.

His paintings and lithographic prints often feature rich Mi'kmaq themes, incorporating sacred petroglyphs, traditional legends, symbols, wildlife, and stories passed down through generations. Through vibrant earth and sky tones, dramatic contrasts of black and white, and carefully chosen symbolism, Damien captured the beauty of nature while sharing the values, beliefs, resilience, and living culture of the Mi'kmaq people.

For Damien, painting was more than creating beautiful images. It was a way of preserving stories, honoring his ancestors, celebrating his heritage, and sharing Mi'kmaq culture with others. His work continues to inspire viewers through its powerful storytelling, deep respect for the natural world, and enduring message that culture, tradition, and identity should be remembered and celebrated.

Today, Damien Hinks' legacy lives on through his artwork and his two children, Kristien and Brooke. Together, they created this website to preserve and share their father's artistic legacy, believing that his work deserves to be experienced by a wider audience. More than a collection of paintings, each piece stands as a lasting tribute to Damien's creativity, his love for his family and community, and his unwavering commitment to preserving the stories, teachings, traditions, and spirit of the Mi'kmaq people for future generations.