Protection: Adaptation and Resistance Zoomshop Series

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!