Sealaska - About

About Us

Mission

Board of Trustees

Send Comments to:
Webmaster

Artist Credits

Artist Name: Norman L. Jackson
Piece Name: Kaach.adi Hat

Autobiography

My Tlingit name is Aan eet kí.

I was born and raised and still reside in the native village of Kake, Alaska. My father, Thomas L. Jackson, was a Tlingit of the Eagle-Killerwhale clan. My mother, Mona Jackson, is Haida from British Columbia of the Eagle-Hummingbird people. After moving to Kake, my mother was adopted into the Tlingit, Raven-Sockeye house. As a matrilineal society, we claim our mother’s crest(s). I am both a Tlingit Raven-Sockeye and a Haida Eagle-Hummingbird. My logo has the symbol of two salmon with a raven between them, which announces to everyone my relationship among the Tlingit people.

I have been carving for over 40 years with mediums of wood, silver, argillite, and walrus ivory using traditional Tlingit/Haida designs. For the most part I am self-taught. I learned by "doing". My work is instrumentally influenced by my college experience. I majored in anthropology, which included extensive research on Tlingit and Haida art forms and design. I believe in creating new designs and putting different elements and/or materials together to push my own artistic boundaries. I always ask, "When did tradition stop and what day was it, so I will know?" To me, tradition is ongoing and changes with each generation.

In Southeast Alaska, carvers gather together for workshops to teach and learn together. I have had the honor of working with other respected master carvers such as: Bill Holm, Nathan Jackson, Israel Shotridge, Dwayne Pascol, Reggie Peterson, Wayne Price, Jack Hudson, and many others.

I also accept commissions for larger works such as totem poles; a few examples are:

1971: My first major project was in Kake, working on the world’s tallest Totem Pole, at that time measuring 136 feet; applied wood preservative, repainted in traditional style and carved one of the traditional-styled faces on the Totem.
1978: Commissioned and completed an 18.5 ft. Totem Pole project for the Mid-American Indian Center in Wichita, Kansas.
1994: National Endowment of Arts Grant was awarded to Mike Jackson and myself to carve a Memorial Pole for the elders. We carved two ten foot totems of Eagle and Raven and the panel that the totems support has relief carving of Wolf and Salmon. The raising of the totems was conducted in traditional ceremony, including the entire community.

My overall goal is to create an environment where I can dedicate full-time effort to art and cultural

preservation, ultimately benefiting not only my Native People but also the State of Alaska as it

endeavors to develop tourism. Having gained expertise in my art, I apprentice novice artists who will in turn apply their skills in artistically promoting Alaskan Native cultural awareness. I have had five formal apprentices. I enjoy teaching. I have been honored that my courses have attracted people from very diverse backgrounds.

It is my pleasure to share the art and culture of the Tlingit and Haida people. I attend all native conventions in Alaska, meeting and getting to know our Native people. In addition, I’ve been fortunate to have my carvings exhibited throughout Alaska through private purchase, juried art shows, and commission. Contact: P.O. Box 266, Kake, Alaska 99830; 907.785.3184.

top