Eechdaa (Dave Ketah)
Artist – Teacher – Public Speaker
Tlingit artist keeping ancestral traditions alive through Formline design, wood carving, and community education.

About
Born and raised in Ketchikan, AK, he was given his Tlingit name by his paternal grandmother. She also introduced him to the richness of his heritage. The currents of life in the modern world led him to settle in Portland, OR, where he is a high school teacher. In recent years, he became immersed in the design and carving tradition of his ancestors. He works with a variety of materials, yet mostly in wood. Eechdaa seeks to join those who carry Tlingit tradition, language and creativity forward while raising up the next generation of culture bearers.
Teaching and Community
Eechdaa is passionate about sharing Tlingit artistic traditions through workshops, school programs, and community events. His teaching connects new generations with the deep cultural knowledge embedded in Formline design.






