Sgwaayaans (T.J.) Young

“I feel it is a privilege to be a part of the Haida Nation and consider it an honour to carry on the tradition of my ancestors. My name is Sgwaayaans and I am from the Yaadaas Eagle Clan of the Kaigani Haida, in Hydaburg, Alaska. When I was a teenager my grandfather Claude Morrison first showed me the proper way to carve a functional halibut hook. Since then he’s been a major influence in my progression as a Haida artist. I have also been lucky to have had an older brother Joe Young to teach me the basics of Haida art. My brother and I work on all major projects together and whch serves us well as we bounce ideas and techniques around constantly. I am also very grateful to have learned from artists Dan Wallace and Jim McGuire.”

Artist Statement