Michael is of the Nisga’a, Tlinget and Tsimshian Nation; his traditional name is Goothl T’similx, which means “the heart of the beaver lodge”.  He belongs to the Beaver/Eagle clan.  The Nisga’a originates from the Nass River valley of northern British Columbia. It is approximately 500 miles from Vancouver, BC.  

Michael began learning his people’s ways at an early age by attending traditional feast/ceremonies and gathering/preparing traditional foods and performing in his families dance group. 

Michael began studying North West Coast art while still attending high school in Metlakatla, Alaska.

Striving to understand and appreciate his people’s rich art form, he then majored in history at the University of Alaska South East-Ketchikan. In 1994 Michael began a yearlong apprenticeship under his Uncle, Master Carver Randy Adams of Prince Rupert, BC.  From his uncle, Michael learned two dimensional plaque and panel carving, mask making and design.

Wanting to continue his education, Michael moved to the Seattle area, where he joined the Tsimshian Haayuuk Dancers led by David Boxley, a renowned Alaskan Tsimishian Artist and Carver. 

In 1998 Mr. Boxley, wanting to pass on his knowledge, accepted Michael’s request to become his apprentice.  The apprenticeship included learning design and carving, also preparing for numerous shows and exhibits, including three totem poles. 

Regularly returning home to Kincolith each year Michael still studies Oral history and protocol from his grand mother Louise Barton-Dangeli. Michael has since relocated to British Columbia where he has created and implemented an art and carving based program called the House of Culture. The House of Culture takes a holistic approach teaching art and culture to children, youth, adults and elders.  The House of Culture offers classes, workshops and seminars to new, emerging and artists in general. 

Michael is also an accomplished dancer and has been studying traditional dance since he was five. Michael has had the honor to perform with “The Juneau Tsimshian Nisga’a Dancer”, “Prince Rupert Nisga’a Dancers”, “The Tsimshian Haayuuk Dancers”, “The Get Hoan Dancers”, and “Rainbow Creek Dancers”. He has also co-led the “Lax Kaien Tsimshian Dancers” and now leads his own group the “Get Heyetsk Dancers”.

Michael’s works include design, regalia, masks, rattles, paddles, spoons and ladles, skin and box drums, bent wood boxes, several silk-screen prints, and nine totem poles.  

Michael has had the privilege of demonstrating North West Coast art in British Columbia, Ontario, Austria, Malaysia, Germany, Alaska, Washington, Indiana, Idaho and Iowa.

Artist Statement
As a former History major in college, I see practicing my People’s rich art as a natural segue in continuing my study of history through our art. My goal is to educate and represent and also promote my people and to tell the world we are not just objects in a museum. We are Alive!