Summary
In a collaborative effort, master carver Lee Wallace and his apprentices from Southeast Alaska are working on a totem pole for the Kootéeyaa Deiyí 'Totem Pole Trail' in Juneau. This project, funded by a $2.9 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, is part of a larger initiative to create 30 totem poles honoring various Native cultures and clans in the region, with a focus on mentoring new carvers through registered apprenticeship programs.
The Kootéeyaa Deiyí project exemplifies the importance of apprenticeships in preserving and promoting traditional crafts. By pairing experienced artisans with new apprentices, such initiatives not only help sustain cultural heritage but also create viable career pathways in the arts, demonstrating the value of hands-on learning in the workforce development landscape.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This story highlights the role of registered apprenticeships in fostering skill development within traditional art forms. By supporting apprentices like Charles Peele and Dave Ketah, the project ensures that valuable cultural knowledge and carving techniques are passed down, strengthening the future of Native art and its place in the economy.
Made in the USA.