History of the Festival of Native Arts Emblem

Tanana artist James G. Schrock-Grant designed in 1974 the Festival of Native Arts Emblem to represent the Alaska Native peoples and their cultures.

A woodcarver from Southeast Alaska is shown carving a totem pole, while an Aleut hunter carves a wooden hat.  Both the Yup’ik and Inupiaq are represented by the ivory-carver, while a snowshoe maker represents the Athabascan.  In a circle matching each figure are animals used by each of the Native people:  the dog salmon by the Tlingit/Haida/Tsimshian; the seal by Aleuts; the whale by Yup’ik and Inupiaq; and the caribou by Athabascans.  The raven in center of the circle, signifying traditional religious beliefs, represents all Alaska Native people.  This beautiful emblem represents the diverse cultures of Alaska.