Tongass FCU commissioned David R. Boxley to create our Spirit of the Tongass design. David Robert is an esteemed Tsimshian artist from Metlakatla, Alaska and the eldest son of the renowned carver David Albert Boxley. He began carving under the instruction of his father at six years old. As an adult, he has continued to express the love and respect he has for Tsimshian culture through his art, cultural performance and teaching. David Robert’s elegant design style is drawn from a strong tradition of Tsimshian carving and design, and has been heavily influenced by the teachings of his father and the old masters.

“I thank those of my generation who stand with me in living and perpetuating our culture. It is not for us that we’ve done all that we have. It is for the generations to come. Art is the visual representation of a culture and I am honored to be one of those who carry that responsibility.”