
Teaching & Community
Sharing Tlingit traditions with the next generation
Eechdaa is deeply committed to sharing Tlingit artistic traditions with the next generation. As a Building Construction instructor at Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon, he brings the same dedication to his classroom that he brings to his carving: patience, precision, and a belief that cultural knowledge is meant to be shared. He is also a student of Lingít language at the University of Alaska Southeast, where tuition-free courses have helped him reclaim the words his grandmother once spoke to him as a child.
Workshops & Demonstrations
Eechdaa leads hands-on workshops and carving demonstrations at schools, cultural centers, and community events throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. He has taught Formline Basics at the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka and led workshops at the Totem Heritage Center in Ketchikan. These sessions introduce participants to the fundamentals of Formline design and traditional carving techniques, while connecting them to the cultural stories and values that give these art forms their meaning.
Workshop topics include:
- Introduction to Formline Design principles
- Traditional wood carving techniques
- Cultural context and storytelling through art
- Northwest Coast art history and contemporary practice
Community Involvement
Beyond formal workshops, Eechdaa is an active participant in Portland’s Native community. He contributes to cultural events, collaborates with other Indigenous artists, and mentors emerging carvers who are exploring their own connections to Northwest Coast artistic traditions.
Eechdaa believes that keeping these traditions alive is not just about preserving the past. It is about building a living, breathing cultural practice that evolves with each generation while honoring the knowledge of those who came before.
Booking & Inquiries
Interested in having Eechdaa lead a workshop, demonstration, or speaking engagement? Reach out through the contact page to discuss availability and details.
