David R. Boxley

Born on July 27, 1981, David Robert Boxley is the son of well-known carver David Albert Boxley. Boxley has grown up surrounded by his Tsimshian culture: at six years old he began carving under the instruction of his father and around the same time he also began to travel around the United States to assist his father in raising totem poles and teaching people about Tsimshian culture. This experience created a love and passion for his culture that has carried through to his work as an artist, as well as his continued participation in cultural performance and teaching.

In 1982, Boxley's father was the first man to hold a potlatch in his village of Metlakatla in modern times. At twenty years of age, Boxley followed in his father’s footsteps by being the first of his generation to hold his own potlatch. He has since held four additional potlatches, establishing himself as one of the most prominent Northwest Coast leaders of his generation.

Boxley and his father lead the dance group Git Hoan (People of the Salmon). Git-Hoan's members trace their roots to one of the three main tribes of Southeast Alaska, the Tsimshian, Haida and Tlingit. They perform around the world, and are one of the most impressive and well-known contemporary Northwest Coast dance groups.

He has taught S’malgyax (Tsimshian language), Tsimshian culture and Northwest Coast design in his hometown of Metlakatla, AK, as well as in Anchorage, Juneau and Seattle. Boxley is well respected for his artistic abilities, his strong design style and his innovative wood. Between 2009 and 2011 Boxley carved alongside renowned artist Robert Davidson. This experience allowed him to hone his skills as an artist, and to establish himself with this own carving style and aesthetic.