Nationally touring exhibition, Protection: Adaptation and Resistance opens at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Sunday, December 3rd from 1-4pm. The exhibition will remain on display through April 7, 2024. 

Protection: Adaptation and Resistance centers Indigenous ways of knowing. Working within intergenerational learning groups and as collaborators in vibrant community networks, Alaska’s Indigenous artists are invigorating traditional stories in customary arts and proposing resilient futures through design, tattoo, regalia and graphic arts. Artist projects elevate collaboration, allyship, and community as tools of resistance, adaptation, and cultural affirmation. The exhibition explores three themes:  Land and Culture Protectors, Activists for Justice and Sovereignty, and Resilient Futures.

“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.” – Joel Isaak (Dena’ina, Kenai)

Exhibition sponsors: National Endowment for the Arts, Alaska Humanities Forum, Alaska Community Foundation, Atwood Foundation, The CIRI Foundation, Rasmuson Foundation.

Bunnell Street Arts Center’s mission is to spark artistic inquiry, innovation and equity to strengthen the physical, social and economic fabric of Alaska.

Exhibit Opening: Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, 1-4pm at Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

https://www.internationalfolkart.org/exhibition/5734/protection-adaptation-and-resistance

ARTISTS:

Kaxhatjaa X’óow / Herring Protectors robes: K’asheechtlaa Louise Brady, Káakaxaawulga Jennifer Younger with Carol Hughey and many volunteers

Lingit hats: Kunagoo Linda Starbard, Tanux Gordon James Junior, Rachel Langford

Guultlagaay Donna Rae James, G_úut dláayas Devin Hannon,

Chickaloonies graphic novel: Dimi Macheras with Casey Silver

Chilkat Protector Masks: 

Lily Wooshkindein Da.áat Hope Sydney Akagi

Davina Drones

Michelle Demmert

Mary Kate Dennis

Shgendootan George

Gabriella George

Shaadootlaa Iyall Hanlon

Ursala 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

Healing Stitches 

Atikluk installation:

Bobby Qalutaksraq Brower

Melissa Ahnoorik Ingersoll

Cassandra Tikasuk Johnson

Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer

Beverly Tuck

Qulliq seal oil lamps: 

Kunaq Marjorie Tahbone

Agasuuq Hanna Sholl

Aqugaq Elli Tansy

Britt’Nee Kivliqtaruq Brower

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

Tupik Mi Tattoo project led by Holly Miby Michael Conti

Haa Shagéinyaa / Our Protecting Power designs, Crystal Rose Demientieff Worl

How To Be A Good Guest by Melissa Shaginoff

The Memorial Qaspeq by Amber Webb

We’re Still Here byNaal xak’w/Tommy Joseph

Raven Steals the Moon and Stars by Rico Rico Lanaat’ Worl

Tour Calendar:

Homer, AK – The Pratt Museum, June 11 – September 24, 2022

Anchorage, AK – The Anchorage Museum, October 21 – March 31, 2023

Portland, OR – Native Arts and Culture Foundation, May 19 – August 5, 2023

Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Living Arts, September 1 – October 13, 2023

Santa Fe, NM – Museum of International Folk Art December 3, 2023 – April 7, 2024

Juneau, AK – Alaska State Museum, Summer 2024