Michael D. Blackstock (Gitxsan name: Ama GoodimGyet) is a writer and visual artist. He has written over 20 publications and produced over a dozen limited edition northwest coast art prints. Michael is currently the artist in residence at the Echo Valley Ranch and Spa, Jesmond, BC, where he carved faces on living trees, as spiritual guardians for the water springs. Michael has a Master of Arts degree in First Nations Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia in 1997. He is also professional forester, and a charted mediator. Michael was mentored by his uncle Walter Harris as a northwest coast carver. Michael served on the UNESCO Expert Advisory Group on Water and Cultural Diversity from 2008-2012 and worked with youth artists around the world to curate an art project on water.