The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council presents David Boxley and the Git-hoan Native Dance Group Feb. 23 at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center.

David Boxley is a Tsimshian carver from Metlakatla, Alaska. In addition to producing the finest quality Northwest Coast Native art, Boxley remains very involved in preserving and spreading Tsimshian culture. He leads the Git-hoan (People of the Salmon) Native Dance Group and incorporates his masks into their dance and storytelling. This visual show features stunning dance numbers, song and storytelling providing insight into the history and culture of the Tsimshian Native peoples.

“Artists from long ago inspire new generations of Indians to carry on the traditions of which they began,” said Boxley. “I am determined and dedicated to become the finest artist that I can be while at the same time helping to revitalize and carry on the rich culture of my tribe: I want my sons and other young Indian people to be proud of their heritage.”

Raised by his grandparents, from whom he learned many Tsimshian traditions, including the tribe’s language, Boxley attended Seattle Pacific University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974. He became a teacher and basketball coach in Alaska and Washington.

While teaching in Metlakatla in 1979, he began devoting considerable time to the study of traditional Tsimshian carving. Through researching ethnographic material and carvings from museum collections, Boxley has learned the traditional carving methods of his grandfather’s people.

Boxley’s functional and decorative pieces, such as bentwood boxes, rattles, masks, prints and panels, are in collections of the king and queen of Sweden, the emperor of Japan, the president of West Germany, the mayor of Chongging, China, Microsoft, Walt Disney World, Knott’s Berry Farm and numerous other private collectors of fine Northwest Coast art.

The Git-Hoan performance is also an opportunity to see another side of city of Shoreline Computer Network Specialist David Brendible, a dancer with the group.

“Of the 12 members of our troupe, seven of us study carving with David,” Brendible said. “Sometimes when we’re carving, we’ll stop and look at each other and say, ‘Isn’t this cool? We’re doing what our ancestors did, using the same wood and the same techniques to create the same items.’ We’re carrying on the tradition.”

Now a Shoreline resident, Brendible was also born in Metlakatla and is a member of the Tsimshian tribe. Boxley was one of his school teachers while he was growing up. When Brendible began thinking about learning to carve again a few years ago, his mind naturally turned to Boxley, who now lives in Kingston. After a few carving lessons, he was invited to join the Git-hoan Dancers and has been part of the troupe for two years.

After the Feb. 23 Shoreline performance, the Git-hoan Dancers will perform in Arizona, British Columbia and Italy this spring.