Image: Kaxhatjaa X’óow/Herring Protectors. Created by K’asheechtlaa/Louise Brady, Káakaxaawulga/Jennifer Younger, and Carol Hughey. Herring pattern designed by Kitkun/Charlie Skultka Jr. Photo by Caitlin Blaisdell.
Protection: Adaptation & Resistance
Alaska State Museum - Juneau
May 3 - October 12, 2024
Protection: Adaptation & Resistance presents the work of more than 45 Alaska Native artists who explore the climate crisis, social justice, strengthening communities through ancestral knowledge, and imagining a thriving future.
Working within intergenerational learning groups and collaborating in vibrant community networks, Alaska's Indigenous artists invigorate traditional stories in customary arts and propose resilient future through design, tattoo, regalia, and graphic arts. Artist projects elevate collaboration, allyship, and community as tools of resistance, adaptation, and cultural affirmation. Protection explores three themes: Land and Culture Protectors, Activists for Justice and Sovereignty, and Resilient Futures.
Artsits Featured in Protection:
Kaxhatjaa X’óow / Herring Protectors robes: K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Káakaxaawulga Jennifer Younger with Carol Hughey and many volunteers. Lingit hats: Ku agoo Linda Starbard, Tanux Gordon James Junior, Rachel Langford Guultlagaay Donna Rae James, Gúut dláayas Devin Hannon. Chilkat Protector Masks: Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope, Sydney Akagi, Davina Drones, Michelle Demmert, Mary Kate Dennis, Shgendootan George, Gabriella George, Shaadootlaa Iyall Hanlon, Ursula Hudson, Donedin Jackson, Melina Meyer, Rae Ann Mills, Debra O’Gara, Laine Rinehart, Jodi Watts. Ghelch’ehi, Dena’ina birchbark baskets: Joel Isaak and Helen McLean. Chickaloonies graphic novel: Dimi Macheras with Casey Silver. Healing Stitches Atikluk installation: Bobby Qalutaksraq Brower, Melissa Ahnoorik Ingersoll, Cassandra Tikasuk Johnson, Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer, Beverly Tuck. Traditional Tattoo Photographs: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Alice Qannik Glenn, Aviññaq/Danyal Harvey, Bailey Shaeffer, Cynthia Ivan, Kimberlyn Erin Smith, Kunayaq Qaumaluq Hank, Princes Daazharaii Johnson, Talivaaq Qinugana/Jerilynn Wellert. Qulliq seal oil lamps: Kunaq Marjorie Tahbone, Agasuuq Hanna Sholl, Aqugaq Elli Tansy, Britt’Nee Kivliqtaruq Brower, Jackie Qatalina Schaeffer. Tupik Mi, Digital video: Holly Mititquq Nordlum with Michael Conti. How to be a Good Guest: Melissa Shaginoff. Memorial Qaspeq: Amber Webb. We’re Still Here: Naal xak’w/Tommy Joseph. Digital Illustrations: Sarah Ayaqi Whalen-Lunn, Crystal Rose Demientieff Worl, Rico Lanaat’ Worl.
Protection: Adaptation & Resistance is a project of the Bunnell Street Arts Center and made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, CIRI Foundation, Alaska Community Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation, Alaska Humanities Foundation, Atwood Foundation.
