Tagaban, “One Crazy Raven,” is a storyteller, speaker, mentor, performer and counselor of the spirit. Tagaban is of the Takdeintaan clan, the Raven, Freshwater Sockeye clan from Hoonah, Alaska. He is the child of the Wooshkeetaan, the Eagle, Shark clan from Juneau. He is of the wolf clan from his Cherokee heritage, and his last name comes from his Filipino heritage.

Tagaban's passion is working with people through teaching, performing, presenting, and facilitating gatherings on prevention, empowerment, leadership, relationship, communication, self-awareness, spirit, honor and healing. He has been a featured at storytelling festivals nationally and internationally, sharing traditional Native stories as well as stories from his personal experience, family and historical events. Tagaban performed with the Dalai Lama at the “Seeds of Compassion” gathering in Seattle and during the Nature Conservancy's 50th anniversary with Jane Goodall.

Tagaban is a board member of the Native Wellness Institute and Seattle's Native youth theatre company Red Eagle Soaring. He is a trainer of Choose Respect, a male engagement and mentorship program to end Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. He works with the Nisqually tribe as a program manager for Brighton Creek Healing and Wellness Retreat. He is also a specialty instructor and honorary uncle with the Wilderness Awareness School. Over the last 30 years, Tagaban has worked nationally and internationally molding a world of wellness and spirit for our future generations.

Learn more about Tagaban on his website, or download a flyer (PDF). If you have questions, contact Lori Gildehaus at lagildehaus@alaska.edu.