Clarence Jackson is a Tlingit of the Ch'áak'  (Eagle) moiety, Tsaagweidí (Killer Whale) clan.

Clarence Jackson's grandmother gave him the name Galtín, a Tsaagweidí name. When he was 3 years old he was given the name Asx'áak (Between trees), a Kaagwaantaan name. Then his Dakl'aweidí relatives gave him the name Daa naawú, a Tsaagweidí name. Later on, Peter and Frank Jack gave him their uncle's name, Tá Gooch (sleeping wolf), a Teikweidí name.

In addition to being an artist, he is a commercial fisherman & charter fishing operator, a merchant (Rocky's Market Center, Kake) and a real estate owner.

He also serves on the board of directors for Sealaska Corp. and on the board of trustees for Sealaska Heritage Institute, which operates this website.

He lives in Kake, Alaska.