Jaalen’s shields are hand beaten in copper for a high quality result that reflects a long tradition of the craft among Haida people.  He was named Copper Maker for the Ts’aahl Eagle Clan of Skidegate, smithing the shields that represent wealth for his people.  For the Haida, copper shields bear witness to their history and culture.  The shields are displayed at potlatches and accompany the clans as adoptions, agreements and celebrations take place.  As stories are told and songs and dances are performed all these happenings are put into the shields.  The rights to sing a song or tell a story are held by the shield and go with it should it be gifted to another chief.  As such, the copper shields accrue value or wealth as they witness a clan’s history and gain rights through time.

Jaalen’s “Eagle Copper” was acquired by the Canada Council for the Arts for their Art Bank.