Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

Artist and Community Collaboration Initiative

Location:

Oakville, WA

Award:

$10,000

Project:

Salmon Ceremony Project

Website:

www.chehalistribe.org

Funding for the project will support the collaboration between master Lummi carver, David Wilson, and Chehalis Tribe community members, joining the artist in the experience of carving a new canoe for the Tribe’s annual Salmon Ceremony, preparing to launch the canoe as part of an annual Salmon Ceremony in mid to late summer 2012. The Tribe has acquired a cedar log and has prepared it for carving. Meanwhile remaining pieces of the cedar log are ready to be carved into masks and other pieces of art that may be used as gifting items at the Salmon Ceremony.

“The act of giving was part of the ‘gifting economy’ of the Northwest where one’s wealth was measured by generosity, good work and a good heart. That is the work of philanthropy too: It’s an honor to have plenty and to share. There is no lack when you have this process in place and the most important mindset to have while participating is gratitude, or giving thanks and promising to care for all, no matter what.”

Elizabeth Woody, Navajo/Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama

Board Secretary, Native Arts & Cultures Foundation

“These gifts demonstrate strong tribal interest in creating a powerful funding engine for protecting and preserving Native art and culture—the very cornerstones of tribal sovereignty. A foundation of this nature will help reverse the long history of government suppression of Native culture done as part of the United States' assimilation program. Through gifts of this nature, Indian Country can direct its resources to protect what is closest to home to all Indian tribes—our own cultures."

Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee

Of counsel, Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C.

Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation

2011/2012 Grantees

2010/2011 Grantees