Throughout these four years, since the painting and illustration of Vanstock's 2020 poster, we have learned and unlearned what is appropriate regarding depicting Alaska Native artwork and culture. We have spoken and collaborated with tribal elders to gain more insight, with the intent of becoming more informed in how to properly advocate for indigenous peoples.

We have learned that we were mistaken by taking inspiration from the Tlingit and Haida and replicating the art style of these tribes.

The 2020 poster depicted the story of a raven stealing the sun in Tlingit style. To avoid plagiarism, our artist created this artwork using inspiration, but not directly copying an image. 

This is true cultural appropriation. What damage resulted, was not historically accurate raven or sun imagery. It was depicted with incorrect proportions and without sharing the story with correct tribal imagery, as the sun in these traditions, is usually depicted as a face or mask, not a raven.

The imagery was not just spreading misinformation about the culture, but was improperly displayed, as these artworks are not merely stylistic, but are sacred to the Tlingit and Haida. The Indigenous people of Alaska have not always been able to freely display their own artwork and culture, and have fought for land rights and their own culture for hundreds of years. 

We sincerely apologize for our ignorance and harm caused by our past artworks. 

We thank the tribal elders who took the time to not only educate, but discuss these difficult lessons with kindness. The burden of education should not rest upon them, and we are incredibly grateful to have received this education and stories. We respect and honor the bravery of the tribes to continuously share their traditions with us and educate us on the best way to behave as an ally. 

Moving forward. In this year’s 2025 poster, we pay homage to the 2020 poster in keeping many elements, but with the intention to revamp, elevate, and showcase Alaska's magic in a respectful way. We chose to include two ravens, one of which is the white raven that has been seen living in Anchorage on Spenard Road. We believe that this raven is incredibly special with rare condition of being leucistic, which causes the blue eyes and reduced pigmentation. 

Many people have been captivated by this bird, including Meda DeWitt, a Lingít healer who first heard about the legend of the white raven by Rita Blumenstein, known as Grandma Rita — a Yup’ik Woman from Southwest Alaska. She was a medicine woman educated from childhood. Rita recounted an oral prophecy that was passed down from her Elders. “This is one of the stories that she would tell that brought hope,” Meda said. “She would say, ‘We will see a white raven, and that’s when we’ll know that humanity as a whole is shifting towards one of peace.’”

The white raven has a long history all over the world of being a messenger bird. 

This is our way on honoring and including oral tradition into Vanstock's community mission. By the white and black raven joined together, holding the peace ribbon, we can share the ancient wisdom of the Indigenous cultures of Alaska and hopeful message of peace.