Name
Xóotsk’
Little Bear
Tribal Nation
Koyukon Athabascan / Tlingit
Emerge
Amiah Xóotsk’ Johnson is an artist from Southeast Alaska, belonging to the Lingít and Denaakk’e (Yakutat Tlingit) community. She works full-time at the Alaska Native Medical Center while pursuing higher education. In addition, Amiah is an entrepreneur who creates traditional and modern beadwork pieces.
Growing up in Yakutat village, Amiah was exposed to her language and traditions from a young age. She has been offered many leadership opportunities to continue revitalizing her heritage and language, which she intends to pass down to future generations. Amiah is a gifted and prolific artist, Indigenous language learner, and traditional skills practitioner in her community. She sets an example of traditional values in her role as the oldest sister and cousin and is an emerging leader in her community.
Amiah aims to become a healthcare worker after completing her university education. She has also participated in training with the Alaska Native Birthworkers’ Community, a grassroots group that supports families from preconception through postpartum with culturally matched care and reclaims Indigenous birth practices.
