Chief Speaker Stick

David Boxley, Tsimshian Eagle, is a Tsimshian carver from Metlakatla, Alaska.  Born in 1952, he was raised by his grandparents and from them he learned many Tsimshian traditions including the language.  From ethnographic research and museum carving collections, Boxley learned the traditional carving methods of his grandfather's people.  Since 1986, he has devoted all his energies toward carving and researching the legacy of Northwest Coast Indian art, becoming a nationally recognized Indian artist and showing his art throughout the United States and Europe.

The “Speaker Stick” represents Honor and Respect. The person holding the stick “has the floor” and cannot be interrupted. David Boxley says, “This object and its use by the mayor represents leadership.  The decision to honor Native people by someone whose actions affect us as citizens – is a good thing – a positive step.”

The artist describes the figures represented in the Stick, from the top down:
The Eagle, with wings spread in honor of the Natives of this region, represents the Native People of the Northwest Coast and is also the artist’s crest.  The abalone in the knees connects my people with the beach.  Chiefs figure wearing cedar head ring. Face paint represents spirit power.  Bent box represents city; the design `represents my people (the Tsimhian) and the salmon and cedar is who we are.  The shells on the lid are opurculum, symbol of wealth.