Welcome to Greatland Gifts!
Greatland Gifts was named after “Alaska” or “Alyeska” which is actually an Aleut word meaning “the mainland” or “the great land”. Currently all of Greatland Gifts products are meticulously handmade by me George Wichers out of Wasilla, Alaska. I’m a lifelong artist that has been trying to hone my talent since childhood. I was born in Kodiak, AK but moved away at a very young age and grew up in Chugiak and Seward, AK. I learned to study, draw, sculpt and craft from family members and art quickly became one of my passions at a very early age. I grew up spending a lot of time out in nature and taxidermy shops watching my dad, his co-workers and even my grandpa bring animals back to life or making sculptures for bronzes. It definitely gave me a unique insight into art and nature since we were constantly studying it or out in it. As a young adult art became a hobby and I was a mechanic for nearly two decades. Then in 2021 I turned my passion for art into my career and opened Greatland Gifts. Using walrus ivory as my main medium I self-taught myself to carve, create jewelry, and scrimshaw. Due to my history of sculpting with clay carving ivory kind of came natural to me but I’m still always striving to learn and improve. I normally find inspiration from my culture, nature, and other artists. I have a deep urge to learn more about my indigenous culture so I can pass it on to my kids and show it’s beauty through my art. Especially these last few years more than ever. I’m recognized as being a 1/4 Aleut with the BIA but I am 100% proud to say that I am Aleut, a member of the Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak, and a registered artist with the Alutiiq Museum’s “Alutiiq Seal Program” identifying me as an authentic Alutiiq artist. Most purchases will come with an Alutiiq seal tag to prove it’s authenticity. All walrus ivory sales are for USA customers only due to federal laws. I currently purchase all my walrus ivory from another indigenous artist who is originally from Gambell, AK . He purchases it straight from subsistence hunters after it has been tagged by the US Fish and Wildlife Services/ MTRP. I’ve always steered far away from ivory that doesn’t have a USFWS tag because it could possibly support poachers or illegal trade and is highly illegal. Quyanaa-Thank you for your time, interest, and/ or business. It’s greatly appreciated!