- Hannah

Big Man Watching the People
by Hannah Rockwell

When one thinks of culture they may think of something that has been passed down for generations such as a family recipe or a holiday tradition, but what about the things one does for another, or the way they act around those they’re related to? For Douglas Yates, a traditional artist and Alaskan native also known as Iljaawaas, culture is much more than something tangible.
From the time he was a young boy he was submerged in the part of Alaskan culture that many people know about. He was given the traditional Tsimshian name of Iljaawaaas meaning “Big Man Watching the People”. Through hunting, fishing, and being a part of ceremonies such as potlachs he learned about his people and their history. “I grew up hunting and fishing, gathering the foods. I started traditional dancing as a young boy, the kind of dancing we do at ceremonies.”
Spending time in both Metlakatla and Prince of Whales Island Doug learned that the symbols used by his people are an important part of their heritage. Half Tsimshian and half Haifa he belongs to the Killer Whale clan. Although his father is part of the Double Fin Killer Whale clan, the tribes are a matriarchal society meaning all members are a part of the clan their mother came from. Doug has used his knowledge about the symbols and drawings used to represent his tribes to make a living. “There are three reasons I do what I do. Personal: it’s a challenge and I love to give to our people. Ceremonial: I make things for ceremonial things such as dance groups as a way of passing the culture on to young people. Economical: it’s a part of how I make a living. I make money doing something great.”
He may make a living off of his designs but understands that what he is doing has a bigger purpose. “Our art is an expression of our culture, it’s like a little window into it.” In this way Doug is not only making a living, but also contributing something to his culture and the always-growing history that travels with it forever.
When asked what he would want to tell the world, Doug doesn’t want to give out his business card information or tell about his products. Instead, he offers advice for everyone, something that can be used, and remembered. “People think culture is just beads and feathers and dancing, but it’s values. It’s what we teach our children; to give, to care, and to love.” In his own way, he is again contributing to the world, trying to make it better, one person at a time.