Hello and Welcome!

Artist, performer, mentor and teacher Vicki Soboleff was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska. In 1995, she formed the youth dance group Lda Kut Naax Sati Yatx’i (All Nations’ Children-Tlingit translation) to promote self-esteem, confidence, and leadership abilities among youth membership emphasizing prevention, academics and sobriety. Under her leadership, the group grew to over 100 members, with many youth becoming college graduates, some of which are now leading the Native youth group and are community leaders. In 2015, Vicki handed group leadership to former member Barbara Dude, and continues to participate as advisor. 

Vicki and her family moved to Washington in 2017, where she continues her work through the Washington Tlingit and Haida Chapter, ultimately starting the youth dance group X̲aat’áay ‘Wáadluwaan G̲aagáay (All Nations’ Children-Haida translation and cousin group to Lda Kut Naax Sati Yatx’i). Vicki’s goals remain the same with the focus on leadership abilities through cultural knowledge, and building youth pride and self-confidence. 

Growing up in southeast Alaska, Vicki grew up learning traditional culture from her Haida grandmother, Vesta Johnson including Haida language, songs and dance, and button blanket making. Received instruction from Nora and Robert Cogo in Haida language, Haida basketry from world-renowned Master Weaver Selina Peratrovich, Julia Fawcett in moccasin-making, and Beatrice Starkweather in traditional beadwork. She completed Haida basketry classes with world-renowned Master Weaver Delores Churchill (1986-1987) and Janice Criswell (2011). Also completed Ravenstail weaving with Cheryl Samuel (1988-1989) and continued Ravenstail weaving with Kay Parker. Completed a Tlingit language course with Ken Austin (1998-1999).

Vicki lives in Birch Bay, Washington with her partner Fredrick Anderson. She has three stepchildren and one daughter. She works as Grants Coordinator at Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

I work for our people through my board membership in Sealaska Corporation, and through my board membership with Haida Corporation.   I was elected as an Independent candidate to the Sealaska Corporation Board of Directors on June 26, 2021.  I am the current Chair of Haida Corporation, and the President of Haida Energy.  I have been a director since 2016.

 I also believe our culture brings us strength, and I believe our youth are our future; I prioritize and promote our Native values as a teacher of youth and within our communities. I am a dance leader with the All Nations’ Children’s groups and hold workshops that have include drum-making, cedar weaving, regalia making, and traditional medicine.