By Sentinel Staff
The Alaska Raptor Center commemorated its 500th eagle release and 40-year history rescuing and caring for Alaska’s wild birds recently with the installation of a new bench.
Constructed by Sitka fine woodworker Zach LaPerriere and funded by Subway of Sitka, the bench is on the center’s nature trail in view of ARC’s eagle release podium.
“We wanted to mark the milestone appropriately, and also provide our guests the opportunity to sit, relax and take in the natural wonders of Southeast Alaska,” said Jennifer Cross, executive director of the Alaska Raptor Center.
LaPerriere said he found the perfect tree for the project – a blown-down 124-year-old yellow cedar on Galankin Island – and got to work on the bench in January. He milled the planks on site and hauled the wood by boat back to Sitka. In early April, he and two volunteers installed it on a sturdy base with cement footings to ensure it will stand the test of time, he said.
“When I was asked to build a special yellow cedar bench for the Alaska Raptor Center, I saw an opportunity to highlight a beautiful, special tree, and in addition to my own design, I saw the bench as a canvas to showcase the talented work of Mary Goddard,” LaPierriere said. “I have long wanted to contrast yellow cedar and copper in a single piece, and the lovebirds perfectly blend Tlingit art, local wood, and the mission of the Alaska Raptor Center.”
Goddard, a Native jewelry and film artist who lives in Sitka, hand carves, shapes and cuts selected materials using traditional formline design as well as realism to create each of her pieces.
“Eagles and Ravens are the two moieties in the Tlingit culture,’’ Goddard said about the copper carvings. ‘‘Basically, this means you either belong to the Eagle moiety or the Raven moiety, and from there it is broken down by what house you are from. Rather than a last name, like how we are known today, in the Tlingit culture you are known by what moiety and house you belong to. When placed side-by-side they are commonly referred to as lovebirds. In Tlingit society, Eagles and Ravens are in opposite clans so an Eagle would marry a Raven, thus lending to its popular reference of ‘lovebirds.’ This is also a testament to the importance of balance in our culture. If there is an Eagle, then a Raven brings balance, and vice versa.
“It is my pleasure to be able to share my art, especially with the Alaska Raptor Center, who so generously gives to our communities,’’ Goddard said. ‘‘I am also passionate about having art in prominent places that reveal our culture here in Southeast Alaska. Not only for the visitor industry, but for those who live here who proudly give a nod to the Tlingit and Haida people that have been here for thousands of years. My hope is that the copper Eagle and Raven create curiosity to learn more about Alaskan culture. The Alaska Raptor Center’s mission and our culture are connected by the very birds that they work to save daily.”
“We are grateful and honored that both Zach and Mary agreed to be involved, and couldn’t be happier with the outcome!” Cross said.
LaPierrere hopes all who visit the bench feel a greater connection to the Tongass, old-growth forest, Tlingit art and culture, and the enduring work of the Alaska Raptor Center.
The ARC is open to the public by appointment only. Visit AlaskaRaptor.org or call 747-8662 for details and visitor information.
