By Alisa Nordholt-Dean, vice president for public programs and Beeler family director of education

Artist and culture bearer David Robert Boxley (Tsimshian)
File image

Dancing, singing, intricately carved masks and stunning regalia are just a few highlights of a not-to-be-missed Indigenous Peoples’ Day Community Celebration program focused on the arts of Native peoples of the Northwest Coast on Monday, Oct. 14, when admission is free.

Longtime Eiteljorg enthusiasts may remember high-energy performances by the Git-Hoan Dancers (People of the Salmon), a group founded by Tsimshian carver, singer and dancer David Albert Boxley. Utilizing hand-carved masks, wood and skin drums, and handmade regalia, the Git-Hoan Dancers depict characters in the stories of the Tsimshian First Nations People. They first appeared at the Eiteljorg Indian Market and Festival in the 1990s, and have delighted audiences across the world, including at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington D.C.

David A. Boxley is an acclaimed artist, having carved more than 80 totem poles, countless bentwood boxes, masks, drums, rattles and many other traditional Tsimshian pieces that can be found in museums and private collections. Under his teaching, his eldest son David Robert Boxley has also gone on to an illustrious career as an artist and culture bearer.

Git-Hoan Dancers
Image by Steve Quinn

Well-known for his carvings and paintings, David R. Boxley works in the distinctive Formline design style unique to Pacific Northwest Native American art. He will conduct art demonstrations, sharing his remarkable talent during Indigenous Peoples’ Day programming.

Tsimshian beadwork artist and weaver Kandi McGilton will demonstrate for audiences the Annette Island style of basket weaving, an endangered art form from the southern Alaskan coast. Kandi was a student of master weavers and is a self-taught beadwork artist. She is best known for her award-winning octopus or “devilfish” bags.

Kandi McGilton (Tsimshian)
Image courtesy of the artist

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Eiteljorg is a great way to learn about the arts of Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest, ahead of the Nov. 8 opening of Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight.

Dante Biss-Grayson Fashion Show Nov. 9
Put on your most fashionable outfit and strut over to the Eiteljorg on Saturday Nov. 9 to experience the culmination of an artist residency with Native fashion designer Dante Biss-Grayson (Osage). This event will feature a stunning new collection from Biss-Grayson’s Sky-Eagle Collection, along with select pieces from his archives. The mini-runway show will showcase the beauty and diversity of Native fashion, celebrating the resilience and creativity of Native communities.

Dante Biss-Grayson (Osage)
image courtesy of the artist

An artist, poet, activist and U.S. Air Force veteran, Biss-Grayson turned to painting to work through traumas he experienced during multiple deployments and to bring attention to important issues impacting Native communities. His talents evolved and blossomed, and in collaboration with his wife Yanti, Sky-Eagle Collection Fashion House was born.

Biss-Grayson’s designs have graced the red carpet on stars such as Amber Midthunder of Prey and Jillian Dion of Killers of the Flower Moon; and on runways in London, New York, Cannes and Santa Fe. His collection is contemporary, modern, and includes both men’s and women’s clothing, belts and accessories.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Native fashion firsthand and meet designer Dante Biss-Grayson. The mini-runway fashion show is a ticketed event. Tickets are $30 and $50; visit this link for reservations. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Nov. 9 fashion show. Partners and sponsors of the event are: Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, Purdue Native American Educational and Cultural Center, and the Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission.

Artists in Residence
Two other artists in residence are at the Eiteljorg this fall: Richard Gabriel, Jr. from Oct. 22 to 26, including during the Día de Muertos Community Celebration Oct. 26; and Bobby Silas (Hopi Tribe) from Nov. 12 to 23. During each artist’s residency, museum visitors can ask questions, watch demonstrations and learn more during open studio sessions. Visit Eiteljorg.org/events for details.

Artists in Residence program sponsored by:
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
Drs. Susan and Robert Stephens Artist in Residence Fund

Dante Biss Grayson Fashion Show also presented by our partners and sponsors:
Purdue University Native American Educational and Cultural Center
Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission

This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Storyteller magazine