Artist Talk with Debra Dzijúksuk O’Gara (Tlingit, Yupik, Irish)

Saturday, September 24, 3-4 pm
Sheldon Jackson Museum and on Zoom

Debra Dzijuksuk O’Gara (Tlingit, Yup’ik, Irish) will give a talk entitled “Cultural Significance of Ravenstail and Chilkat Weaving.” Call the museum at (907) 747-8981 to reserve a spot if you'd like to attend in-person.

O’Gara describes the subject of her talk as follows:

These two art forms [Chilkat and ravenstail weaving] nearly died out completely. Why and how did this happen? Focus will be on the strong resurgence today for both Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving which has provided medicine for many in their efforts in cultural and spiritual healing.

Just as Chilkat weaving is gaining new weavers, some of the traditional materials are becoming scarce due to climate change, loss of accessible lands, and unsustainable logging practices. What are some of the innovative solutions emerging to stave off this crisis?

Zoom details

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87295050342?pwd=OEhsK05TT0FqNHE1RkdMbXRoem1aUT09

Meeting ID: 872 9505 0342
Passcode: 123602

Ravenstail Pouch or Wall Hanging Class with Debra (Dzijuksuk) O’Gara (Tlingit, Yup’ik, Irish)

September 27 and October 1, 9 am-1 pm. (Optional third class: Tuesday, Oct. 4,  9 am-1 pm)
Sheldon Jackson Museum and on Zoom

Artist Debra Dzijuksuk O’Gara will offer a two-part ravenstail weaving class in which students will make either a ravenstail pouch or wall hanging. Plan to attend at least the first two sessions. The class is best for ages 15-adult. Space is limited. To sign up, call (907) 747-8981 or stop by the museum.

The ravenstail weaving class is free, but students need to pay a $25 materials fee when they sign up. Students may bring a check to the museum made out to Debra O’Gara. September 9 is the last day to sign up. People participating in-person should pick up their packet from the museum after September 26. The artist will mail packets to Zoom participants (additional shipping costs apply). Students will need some additional items not included in the kit, such as small scissors, a tapestry needle, etc. You can get the list of these few items when you sign up. A zoom link will be sent to those who register to attend via zoom.

Artist Talk with Debra Dzijúksuk O’Gara (Tlingit, Yupik, Irish)

Saturday, October 8, 3-4 pm
Sheldon Jackson Museum and on Zoom

Debra Dzijuksuk O’Gara (Tlingit, Yup’ik, Irish) will give a talk on a selection of artifacts from the Sheldon Jackson Museum’s permanent collection. Call the museum at (907) 747-8981 to reserve a spot if you'd like to attend in-person

Debra Dzijúksuk O’Gara is Tlingit, Yup’ik, Irish and raven from the Teey hit taan clan of Wrangell. She currently lives in Petersburg, Alaska. Her mom was born and raised in Mountain Village, Alaska and now lives in Juneau. Her grandmother, Frances Tamaree Sheppard was born in Wrangell and died young. Her great grandmother Tillie Paul Tamaree was a civil rights activist and mother to William and Louis Paul. Tillie’s second husband and Djik’s great grandfather, William Tamaree, was a community leader and carver.

Zoom details

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84107978230?pwd=bGJsdXI4aWQ3VXFaWDlWSWJ0U2RMQT09

Meeting ID: 841 0797 8230
Passcode: 308552