Norman Natkong Jr. was born in 1986 into the Raven-Loon clan of the Haida people in the small village of Saxman, three miles on the road south of Ketchikan. Raised in Ketchikan, he spent his early years living a subsistence lifestyle unique to Southeast Alaska. From his parents and relatives he learned to fish, hunt and gather the coastline’s bountiful harvest.

He grew up listening to Haida stories and studied the significance of totem poles. There are five types of totem poles: story, memorial, honor, shame and identity. Norman primarily carves small totem poles that may tell a story or are intended to identify a clan or territory.

Norman’s uncle Frank Natkong and his cousin Michael Vandal taught him the art of carving. He carves traditional woods such as red or yellow cedar and to accent his designs, he uses the black and red paint colors common in both Tlingit and Haida cultures. Carving gives him a spiritual sense of his cultural heritage unlike anything else he has experienced. Through his art he wants to share a part of the Haida tradition.

“ I try to represent my culture with authenticity. I hope those who own my carvings enjoy them.” Norman Natkong Jr.