Tlingit & Haida Names Senior Director of Early Education
Photo Credit: Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) hired Ethan Petticrew as the Senior Director of Early Education. This new position follows the announcement in April that Tlingit & Haida will build two early education campuses on Prince of Wales Island.
In this new role, Petticrew oversees all early education programs and initiatives, helping to shape the tribe’s educational direction while working closely with the Cultural Heritage & Education Division to develop and implement a comprehensive educational strategy.
Current Issue
August 2026
“I am honored to join Tlingit & Haida as the Senior Director of Early Education,” says Petticrew. “I look forward to working with the community to enhance our educational programs and ensure our young learners have the tools and support they need to succeed. I look forward to coming home and contributing to Tlingit & Haida’s educational sovereignty.”
Petticrew was born and raised in Wrangell. He is Unangax̂ and Yeil of the Kiks.adi from Gagaan Hit, and his Tlingit name is Daayoosh. He holds a master’s degree in education and previously served as executive director for Cook Inlet Native Head Start since 2013. Petticrew has extensive experience in early education, including program development, curriculum design, and educational strategy, with a strong emphasis on incorporating cultural values and practices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ethan to our team,” says Tlingit & Haida President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. “Educational sovereignty is a cornerstone to true tribal sovereignty. With Ethan’s leadership, we will continue to advance the Tribe’s early education initiatives and shape educational systems in ways that honor and affirm our cultures, knowledge systems, languages, and values.”
