SHI lecture to explore creative path of Tlingit visual storyteller

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will sponsor a presentation this week as part of its spring lecture series featuring prominent voices in Indigenous knowledge, art, culture and language.

Tlingit photographer and educator X̱ʼeidé Larry McNeil will present his talk, “Kagán Aawajoon Yéil; Raven Dreamt About Light.”

McNeil will share stories from his life as a visual artist and reflect on how community, culture and experience have shaped his creative journey. Drawing from his decades-long career in photography and higher education, he will offer insight into his motivations, tactics and goals—and the people and practices that helped him find success. His lecture will explore the roles of narrative, identity and professionalism in Northwest Coast art.

McNeil is of the Eagle moiety and Killer Whale clan. He was raised in Juneau and Anchorage and began his career working on fishing boats and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline before pursuing photography. His work has since been featured in prominent national and international museums, and he holds the rank of full professor. At the heart of his work is a deep appreciation for storytelling and a lifelong commitment to creative expression.

The lecture is scheduled for noon, Monday, May 12, in Shuká Hít within the Walter Soboleff Building, 105 Heritage Way, in Juneau. The event will be livestreamed and posted on SHI’s YouTube channel.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaska.com.