This dress is designed to represent the beautiful stories and symbolism of Alaskan Native art. We lived in Alaska for 4 years, where my daughter found her love for Irish dance. This dress ties her start of Irish Dance with the culture we highly respected. The eagle is a symbol of power and grace, and is worshiped because it flies closest to the creator. It’s feathers are considered a blessing and symbolizes respect, honor, strength, wisdom and bravery. On the back of the dress is the Alaskan Native symbol for the sun. The elementary schools throughout Alaska teach the story of how the Raven freed the sun from its confining box and gave it back to the earth to give humankind warmth, light and life. The sun is one of the most important symbols.