Originating from Ketchikan, Alaska, Káa Sháyee is a member of the Tlingit Tribe. Like many Native Americans, Káa Sháyee’s cultural identity has been heavily disrupted by colonialism. He is dedicated to piecing together his Tlingit identity through art and education.
Káa Sháyee started his career as a Graphic Designer in 2009. Over the years, he has expanded his artwork into other mediums but has maintained a focus on revitalizing Northwest Coast Native Art and style. He was selected as a recipient of the Connections to Culture Visiting Researcher Grant from the Bill Holm Center for the Study of Northwest Native Art at the Burke Museum in 2022 and 2023.
In 2022, Káa Sháyee extensively researched their paddle collection, carefully documenting their craftsmanship to create schematics for future paddle replicas. In 2023, he turned his attention to the collection of early contact to pre-contact Tlingit Formline decorated objects. His goal was to enhance his understanding of design and concepts within Tlingit visual language.
Káa Sháyee graduated from Northwest Indian College with highest honors in June of 2022, receiving his Associate in Arts & Science Degree. He is currently in his senior year, continuing at Northwest Indian College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Native Studies Leadership with a Northwest Coast Arts emphasis.
Looking towards the future, Káa Sháyee is considering continuing his academic journey in a graduate program for an Anthropology degree to further delve into the study of Native cultures and their traditions.
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