The "Good Luck" pole, probably designed by Eli Tait, illustrates the Tsimshian story of "Little Eagle," or "The Boy Who Fed the Eagles" [1]. Having given away his winter salmon stores to eagles, a young man is abandoned during a famine, only to be saved by the grateful birds, whose generosity brings him prosperity and the Eagle as a family crest. This particular example is especially charming for the touches of soft blue surrounding the eyes of the bear and bird, lending a playful sweetness to their finely carved features.

1. Credit for identifying the connection between the "Good Luck" model poles and the story of "Little Eagle" belongs to Steve Akerman, a collector and researcher who has devoted decades to studying Alaskan Tsimshian model pole carvers. See http://bluemando.homestead.com/Story.html, accessed 10 Oct 2026.

FA