Norman Jackson's Tlingit name is Aan eet kí. He was born and raised and still resides in the Native village of Kake, Alaska. His father, Thomas L. Jackson, was a Tlingit of the Eagle-Killerwhale clan. Norman's mother, Mona Jackson, is Haida from British Columbia of the Eagle-Hummingbird people. After moving to Kake, his mother was adopted into the Tlingit, Raven-Sockeye house. As a matrilineal society, we claim our mother’s crest(s). Norman is both a Tlingit Raven-Sockeye and a Haida Eagle-Hummingbird. His logo has the symbol of two salmon with a raven between them, which announces to everyone his relationship among the Tlingit people.

Norman has been carving for over 40 years with mediums of wood, silver, argillite, and walrus ivory using traditional Tlingit/Haida designs. For the most part he is self-taught. He learned by "doing". His work is instrumentally influenced by his college experience. He majored in anthropology, which included extensive research on Tlingit and Haida art forms and design. He believes in creating new designs and putting different elements and/or materials together to push his own artistic boundaries. Norman says he always asks, "When did tradition stop and what day was it, so I will know? To me, tradition is ongoing and changes with each generation."

In Southeast Alaska, carvers gather together for workshops to teach and learn together. Norman has had the honor of working with other respected master carvers such as: Bill Holm, Nathan Jackson, Israel Shotridge, Dwayne Pascol, Reggie Peterson, Wayne Price, Jack Hudson, and many others.

His carvings have been exhibited throughout Alaska through private purchase, juried art shows, and commission. Some of his commissions have included larger works such as totem poles; a few examples are:

● 1971:  His first major project was in Kake, working on the world’s tallest Totem Pole, at that time measuring 136 feet; applied wood preservative, repainted in traditional style and carved one of the traditional-styled faces on the Totem.

● 1978:  Commissioned and completed an 18.5 ft. Totem Pole project for the Mid-American Indian Center in Wichita, Kansas.

● 1994:  National Endowment of Arts Grant was awarded to Mike Jackson and Norman to carve a Memorial Pole for the elders. They carved two ten foot totems of Eagle and Raven and the panel that the totems support has relief carving of Wolf and Salmon. The raising of the totems was conducted in traditional ceremony, including the entire community.  

Norman's overall goal is to create an environment where he can dedicate full-time effort to art and cultural preservation, ultimately benefiting not only his Native People but also the State of Alaska as it endeavors to develop tourism. Having gained expertise in his art, Norman apprentices novice artists who will in turn apply their skills in artistically promoting Alaskan Native cultural awareness. He has had five formal apprentices.

"I enjoy teaching. I have been honored that my courses have attracted people from very diverse backgrounds," he said.

"It is my pleasure to share the art and culture of the Tlingit and Haida people."

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