Kelly White is a member of the White Owl Clan, born at Cedar,  of the Snuneymuxw Nation, British Columbia. A celebrated visual artist, Kelly gained national recognition in 1994 when she was awarded First Place by juries representing museums and galleries across Canada and the United States for her 3D fabric art and spoken word performance. Her renowned Queen Size Star Quilts serve as both artistic expression and acts of healing, forming the foundation of her lifelong creative journey. Since 1988, Kelly’s Star Quilts have been created to honour life’s milestones—weddings, graduations, retirements, and new births—while since 1992, they have also brought comfort and awareness to causes such as the Missing and Murdered Indigenous and Beloved Ones, and since 2003, the Poppy Star Quilts have paid tribute to Indigenous and Métis veterans.

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Beyond visual art, Kelly’s work in music and performance has reached international audiences. As a member of a distinguished drum group, she has twice helped set the Guinness World Record for “Most Nationalities in a Drum Circle.” Her musical contributions include the album International Indigenous Lullabies – Thank You Honour Song, and her collaboration on the Australian recording The Fire Next Time with the song Oka in the Beginning. Expanding her creative reach into film, Kelly served as Executive Producer for director Javier Badillo, whose team has won BC's Leo Awards and invitations to represent Canada at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2025, their Telefilm-funded feature film, Lupe Q and the Galactic Earworms, a science fiction comedy, wrapped photography and is slated to open in theaters across Canada in 2027.

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Kelly’s deep commitment to community and cultural continuity with the UNDRIP United Nations Declaration representing Indigenous People's,  is evident in her many leadership and mentorship roles. She serves as Elder-in-Residence for the City of Vancouver (on call daily since 2021) and for Vancouver Coastal Health, where she supports nurses through cultural education. Her ongoing community service includes participation with the Vancouver Police Department Indigenous Advisory (since 2020) and SisterWatch Memorial March partnership (since 2015). Kelly Is a  Co-founder of the February 14th Memorial March for Missing Murdered Women. Kelly also leads drum circles at Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House (since 2023), and has supported Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society (WAHRS) through healing circles and sewing classes since 2010. As a Knowledge Keeper for Truth and Reconciliation and the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (since 2013), Kelly continues to share Indigenous teachings, promote healing, and inspire future generations through her artistry, leadership, and love of community. Kelly parents derive from Musqueam- Vancouver BC, thus has been honoured to be called on for Territory Respects, Welcome, High honours since 1988.