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Energized by movements for social justice, concerned about climate change impacts on cultural survival, and sobered by the ongoing pandemic, Bunnell presents six fall workshops by and for Indigenous Alaska artists addressing the theme of “Protection” featuring regalia, wearable art, sculpture, songs and masks. The workshops reflect Bunnell’s ongoing work to decolonize Alaska and shift the conversation from how people used to live to how contemporary Indigenous art forms offer cultural protection today.

“Our lifeways, material culture, and protocols serve as armor to resist efforts to exterminate us. They are rooted in the power to unite and create space for all people. When we break down the efforts of those who work to silo, segregate, and discriminate there is space for all people and all living things. In an environment that seeks to destroy the living, valuing life has become a powerful form of resistance.” Joel Isaak (Dena’ina, Alaska), Cultural Advisor. Joel Isaak’s family is from the village of Ch’aghałnikt (Point Possession) and currently lives in Soldotna, Alaska.

Sponsored by The Ciri Foundation: A Journey to What Matters: Increased Alaska Native Art & Culture (JWM) grant program and The Alaska Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Nonprofit Relief Fund, six Indigenous Alaskans are leading Zoomshops through November. The selected artists are Lily Hope (Chilkat protector masks), David Engels (Lower Tanana Songmaking), Marjorie Kunaq Tahbone (seal oil lamp making), Peter Paul Kawagaelg Williams (Yup’ik fur sewing), Benjamin Charles (Yup’ik mask carving) and Bobby Itta (Atikluk Sewing). Bunnell is proud to partner with such a coalition!

Herring Protectors, Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Join us for the Herring Protectors: Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Saturday, March 18, 2-4 pm at the Anchorage Museum Auditorium. Gather for a screening of two films: Yaa…

Melissa Shaginoff Workshop, How To Be A Good Guest, March, 2023

“How To Be A Good Guest” is a discussion-based workshop by artist Melissa Shaginoff on March 11th, 1-3pm at her studio in The Nave in Anchorage. Part conversation, part performance,…

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, Bobby Itta, Atikluk Sewing Zoomshop

Saturday, November 14th 1-5pSunday, November 15th 1-5p Registration by email bobbyitta@gmail.com or BobbyIttaDesigns.com Learn atikluk (snow shirt) making. In 2, 4-hour classes. Bobby will request sizes for each student and…

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, Peter Paul Kawagaelg Williams: Fur sewing Zoomshop

Make a pattern and sew a traditional “trapper hat”. Indigenous participants will be provided with otter fur. Non-Natives will be provided with beaver. This class is sponsored by Bunnell Street…

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, David Engels, Lower Tanana Songmaking Zoomshop

Learn Lower Tanana Denakenaga’ songmaking from David Engels, who has studied this art for the past twenty years, beginning with his grandmother. This class is sponsored by Bunnell Street Arts…

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, Marjorie Kunaq Tahbone, Naniq: Womens Seal Oil Lamp Carving Zoomshop

Marjorie Kunaq Tahbone (Inupiaq and Kiowa, Nome) teaches an intergenerational (mixed age/skill levels) how to carve a naniq using soapstone and hand tools. The traditional womens’ seal oil lamp ,…

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance, Lily Hope, Chilkat Protector Mask hand twining Zoomshop

Chilkat Weaver Lily Hope will lead a cohort of Chilkat weavers in hand-twining a Chilkat Protector Mask from start to finish. Sponsored by The CIRI Foundation, A Journey to What Matters:…

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