The Collection: Northwest Coast Native Art of the William A. Egan Library - University of Alaska Southeast

Abstract

The William A. Egan Library opened in January, 1990. This booklet describes the library’s Northwest Coast Native Art Collection and two separately funded totems on the UAS campus. The library was named for William A. Egan, who served as Alaska’s governor for 12 years between 1959 and 1974 and devoted nearly fifty years to Alaska politics. An early proponent of statehood, he led the Alaska Constitutional Convention which preceded statehood in 1959. While the library was still under construction, the Alaska Percent for Art in Public Places Committee recommended 14 artists’ proposals which were approved by the UAS Chancellor and UA Board of Regents. These pieces comprise the library’s native art collection. The University of Alaska Southeast is located on lands originally inhabited by the Aak’w Kwáan Tlingit people. Áak’w Kwáan Aaní káx’. The mission and core values of UAS reflect support of Alaska Native students and an increasing awareness and knowledge of Alaska Native heritage unique to Southeast Alaska.