This bentwood chest represents Sm'oogyit Niishluut's lineage as a Gisbutwada (Killer Whale Clan member) of the Ginadoyks (people of the swift water) from Wap Niishluut (the house of Niishluut) with special references in the design to his wil na guguut 'neexł (colliding killer whales) crest. The designs on the sides of the chest symbolize his legacy as a Gitsonk (an initiated member of a secret society of carvers) and the first person from Metlakatla, Alaska to carve and raise full-sized totem poles.
Holtka Xsoo – C. Guthrie