Michael Dengali

Michael Dengali is of the Nisga’a, Tlingit and Tsimshian Nations and belongs to the Beaver/Eagle Clan. Dengali studied Northwest Coast Art through courses offered in his high school in Metlakatla, Alaska. After graduating in 1991, he went on to major in Alaska Native History at the University of Alaska Southeast. Dengali held two major apprenticeships under master carvers Randy Adams and David Boxley. He currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia where he founded the House of Culture: Art and Carving Studio. House of Culture seeks a holistic approach to teaching Northwest Coast art to urban First Nations children, youth and adults. It also serves as Dengali’s studio. Dengali’s works include masks, drums, regalia, paintings, and silk screened prints. In 2007, he completed his 10th totem pole and a 30-foot ocean-going canoe. He is also an accomplished traditional dancer and singer, sharing leadership of The Git Hayetsk Dancers Tsimshian group.