6 HIGHLIGH 201 TS
SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE
2013 Annual Report
1 1 www.sealaskaheritage.org Copyright © 2017 Sealaska Heritage Institute All rights reserved.
SEALASKA HERITAGE INSTITUTE 155 S. Seward St., Suite 201 Juneau, Alaska 99801 907.463.4844 • www.sealaskaheritage.org
ISBN 978–1–946019–07–3
Cover graphic: “Weaving Traditional Knowledge into our Future” Celebration 2016 art by David R. Boxley. Cover design by Kathy Dye. Back cover: 2016 Rock Your Mocs day at Sealaska Heritage Institute. Photo by Nobu Koch.
Design and composition by Kathy Dye.
PHOTO CREDITS Photos by Brian Wallace and Nobu Koch except for the following: page 4: Sealaska Heritage by Ken Graham; page 5: Rosita Worl by Scott Areman; page 20: left photo by Christy Eriksen, prison photo courtesy of Lemon Creek Correctional Facility; page 22: canoe project by Erin Fulton and Ryan Carpenter, courtesy of the National Park Service; pages 36–37: Latseen Leadership Academy by Carmaleeda Estrada; page 39: Lance Twitchell by Christy Eriksen; page 47: Angels Project by Jennifer Treadway and Heather McClain; page 55: Rosita Worl by Kathy Dye; page 56: headdress by Kathy Dye; page 70: Sealaska Heritage by Ken Graham; page 76: staff by Tammie Hanson; page 79: Teri Rofkar by James Poulson.
2 // 2016 annual report TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Sealaska Heritage Institute • 4
Letter from the President • 5
Programs Celebration 2016 • 7 Art Program • 19 Education Program • 29 Culture and History Program • 43 Advocacy • 55
Donors • 59
Financials • 71
Boards and Committees • 75
Staff • 77
Farewell • 79
3 About Sealaska Heritage
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 at the urging of Elders to ensure the survival of Southeast Alaska Native cultures. SHI’s goals are to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts social scientific and public policy research and advocacy that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history, and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee. Its mission is to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. SHI operates from the Walter Soboleff Building, an education and research facility in Juneau opened by the institute in 2015.
4 // 2016 annual report LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
I am eternally grateful for and frankly in awe of the material culture our ancestors left to us.
Nothing on Earth compares to the great Northwest Coast totem poles and clan houses that populate Haa Aaní—Our Land—or to the intricate Chilkat and Ravenstail woven robes that can take years to complete. One could spend a lifetime mastering the rules governing the formline designs that make the material culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian so unique.
We have a dream to make Juneau the Northwest Coast art capital of the world and to designate our ancestors’ legacy as a national treasure.
Sealaska Heritage is committed to maintaining the integrity of Northwest Coast art and operates programs SHI President Rosita Kaaháni Worl. to teach formline, carving, weaving, and other practices.
In 2016, we signed a landmark agreement with the Institute of American Indian Arts and the University of Alaska Southeast to provide expanded Northwest Coast art programs and opportunities for Alaska students. SHI also works with schools to incorporate Native art, 52,000 cultures and languages into classrooms, as our studies have TOTAL PEOPLE shown it helps Native students academically. This year, SERVED IN 2016 the Juneau schools superintendent reported the highest graduation rates ever, and he gave special recognition to Alaska Native students at Thunder Mountain High School who graduated at a rate of almost 100 percent.
letter from the president // 5
As part of that effort, we continually produce curricula, books, and other materials for use by students. In 2016, we published the first of a series of culturally-based children’s books through our Baby Raven Reads program.
SHI also wrapped a three-year program that paired Tlingit language learners with fluent mentors in an effort to revitalize the language and unveiled its first Tlingit language apps plus a podcast. Not very long ago, we were worried our languages would not survive. But we are heartened today to once again and at long last hear our languages spoken by young people.
In 2016, we also sponsored our biennial Celebration, a major dance-and-culture festival organized by SHI and attended by thousands of people. And, we established an endowment to fund our programs for future generations.
The endowment is a manifestation of our cultural value Haa Shuká, through which we honor past, present, and future generations. Our ancestors’ legacy lives on today. What an honor it is to claim that legacy, to help pass it on to present and future generations, and to share it with the world.
Rosita Kaaháni Worl President
6 // 2016 annual report CELEBRATION
Sealaska Heritage sponsors a major, biennial festival to celebrate the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. First held in 1982, Celebration has grown into one of the largest events in the state. Celebration 2016 served more than 10,000 people, including 4,200 attendees and another 6,000 who watched the live webcast. A 2012 study showed the economic impact of Celebration on Juneau is $2 million each time SHI sponsors Celebration, and SHI has since expanded it to a four-day event.
• Dance Performances & Parade • Juried Art Shows & Competitions & Exemplary Exhibit • Native Fashion Show 10,200 • Native Food Contests PEOPLE SERVED IN 2016 • Weaving Presentation and Class • Native Comedy Show • Northwest Coast Art Market • Toddler Regalia Review • Lectures and Film Screenings celebration // 7 Dance Performances
Above and right: Celebration 2016 dance performances. Traditionally, dancers shook eagle down from their shakee. át (headdress), and the down was a symbol of peace.
Opposite: Nathan Jackson, leader of the L’ukaax.ádi clan, dancing at Celebration 2016.
8 // 2016 annual report celebration // 9 “Exemplary Works”
Above: Visitor examining pieces shown in SHI’s “Exemplary Works” exhibit, which was curated in 2016 for the first time to reflect the best of Northwest Coast art today as learned from the old masters. Featured artists included Nathan Jackson, David A. Boxley, Delores Churchill, Robert Davidson, and Preston Singletary.
Right: “Eagle Feast bowl” by David A. Boxley, “Exemplary Works” exhibit.
10 // 2016 annual report “Shark Mask” by Nathan Jackson, “Exemplary Works” exhibit. Juried Art Shows & Competitions
Clockwise from above left: Juried Art Show and Competition division winners: “Hungry Sea Lion” by Jennifer Younger, Best of Carving and Sculpture Division; “Chilkat Child” by Clarissa Rizal, Best of Weaving Division; “Lax’o” (meadow) by Kandi McGilton, Best of Sewing Division.
Below left: Juried Youth Art Exhibit winner, Middle School Division, “Warrior Armor and Helmet” by sixty-one sixth grade students from Dzantik’I Heeni Middle School in Juneau. “Txaamsem and the Steelhead Salmon” acrylic on paper (not pictured) by Jeanette Kaleikau-Buxton of Metlakatla won first place in the High School Division.
12 // 2016 annual report Tsimshian artist David R. Boxley took Best of Show and Best of Formline in SHI’s Juried Art Show and Competition for “Txaamsem,” which also won Best of Division in 2-Dimensional Drawing.
Native Fashion Show
At Celebration 2016, SHI debuted the event’s first Native Fashion Show. Eighteen designers showed pieces, including a silver-tipped- fringe gown (left) by Tlingit artists Lily Hope and her aunt Deanna Lampe and an evening gown (above) by Haida artist Dorothy Grant.
14 // 2016 annual report Celebration 2016 Toddler Regalia Review.
Toddler Regalia Review
celebration // 15 Weavers’ Presentation and Art Market
Celebration 2016 included a weavers’ presentation organized and hosted by weaver Clarissa Rizal (above) and a Northwest Coast art market.
16 // 2016 annual report Left, top and middle: Celebration 2016 included Native food contests, including one for best soapberries, a traditional food.
Left, bottom: SHI Board of Trustees Chair Marlene Johnson and SHI President Rosita Worl sample soapberries.
Below: Celebration 2016 also featured a comedy show with comedian Cody Ferguson.
Food Contests and Comedy Show
celebration // 17 “Cat Lady” by Alison Bremner, 2nd place formline, 2016 Juried Art Show and Competition.
18 // 2016 annual report ART PROGRAM
Sealaska Heritage sponsors programs to teach ancient art forms, expand markets for Northwest Coast artists, and to educate others about Native art. SHI’s goals are to make Juneau the Northwest Coast art capital of the world and to establish Northwest Coast art as a national treasure.
• Art Workshops • Dugout Canoe Project & Mentor-Apprentice Teams • Artists in Residence • Landmark Agreement with IAIA & UAS • Native Art Markets 28,300 • First Fridays PEOPLE SERVED IN 2016 • Arts Excursions • Native Artist Database • Artists Gatherings
art program // 19 Skin-Sewing Workshops
SHI sponsored skin-sewing workshops in Seattle, Angoon, Yakutat, and Anchorage and for inmates at Juneau’s correctional center in 2016. The goals are to revitalize this ancient practice and to give people skills to earn a living making Northwest Coast art. Classes are taught by Louise Kadinger (top, left) and Carmaleeda Estrada (above, in center).
20 // 2016 annual report SHI in 2016 sponsored workshops on cedar bark weaving for children through the BAM (Body & Mind) after school program in Juneau, Craig, and Sitka.
Left: Weaver and teacher Della Cheney.
Below: Weaver and teacher Ricky Tagaban.
Cedar-Bark Weaving Classes
art program // 21 Dugout Canoe Carving Project
SHI in 2016 partnered with Sitka National Historical Park to make a full-size, Native canoe in an effort to preserve the ancient but endangered knowledge of making the traditional watercraft known as dugouts.
Top: The project was led by master carver Steve Brown (wearing cap), who mentored artists T.J. Young, Tommy Joseph, and Jerrod and Nicholas Galanin.
22 // 2016 annual report Canoe project apprentices standing by the finished dugout they made in 2016. From left: T.J. Young, Tommy Joseph, Jerrod Galanin, and Nicholas Galanin.
art program // 23 Left and below: Artists in residence Konrad Frank and Lily Hope.
Bottom: In 2016, SHI signed a landmark agreement with the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) and the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) to provide expanded Northwest Coast art programs for Alaska students. Front row: UAS Chancellor Richard A. Caulfield, SHI President Rosita Worl, and IAIA President Robert Martin signing the MOA. Back row: UAS Vice Chancellor Joe Nelson, UAS Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Studies Mique’l Dangeli, SHI Art Director Kari Groven, SHI COO Lee Kadinger, and IAIA Trustee Princess Daazhraii Johnson.
24 // 2016 annual report Artists in Residence and Landmark Art Agreement
In SHI’s Delores Churchill Artist-in-Residence Studio, Catrina Mitchell and Karen Taug admire “Weavers Across the Water”—a Chilkat and Ravenstail robe made by more than forty weavers. The project was spearheaded by weaver and teacher Clarissa Rizal (far right).
art program // 25 Right and bottom: In 2016, SHI opened its building to all second-grade students in Juneau as part of the national “Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child” program— which was founded by the Kennedy Center to create equitable access to arts education programs and resources for K-8 students. The program provides an opportunity for SHI to expose children to Southeast Alaska Native cultures.
Below: SHI opens its building on first Fridays of each month as part of its goal to promote cross-cultural understanding.
Art Excursions26 // 2016 and annual First report Fridays Native Art Markets
Top and above: SHI operates numerous Northwest Coast art markets and also sells Native art through its Sealaska Heritage Store. Proceeds support artists and fund art-and-culture programs. In 2016, the store purchased work by more than 140 Native artists.
Left: Artist Marlene Liddle showing a cedar bark hat at a SHI art market.
art program // 27 Instructor teaching a student through SHI’s Voices on the Land program.
28 // 2016 annual report EDUCATION PROGRAM
Sealaska Heritage works with universities, school districts, and other educational institutions throughout the region to teach people about Southeast Alaska Native cultures, as evaluations have shown that integrating culture into schools has improved academic achievement. SHI also promotes early literacy in Alaska Native children, publishes children’s books, awards scholarships, and operates a Native language program.
• Baby Raven Reads • Math and Culture Academy • Latseen Leadership Academy • Latseen Hoop Camp 3,600 • Latseen Running Camp PEOPLE SERVED IN 2016 • Voices on the Land • Cultural Orientations • College and Voc-Tech Scholarships • Language Program
education program // 29 Sealaska Heritage sponsors Baby Raven Reads, a culturally-based program that promotes early literacy, language development, and school readiness. The program is for Alaska Native children age 5 and under, as research shows that children who are fluent readers by the end of third grade are likely to do well in school and in life.
Above: Through the program, SHI produces culturally-based children’s books. In 2016, SHI published nine books for children, gave them to participating families, and distributed them to schools, libraries, and Head Starts across the region. The release of the books was groundbreaking because so few culturally-relevant children’s books from Southeast Alaska exist that are not tailored for the commercial market.
30 // 2016 annual report Baby Raven Reads
Top and above: Baby Raven Reads events for families include storytelling, songs, and other cultural and literacy activities.
Right: The Baby Raven Reads program also includes Gumboot Camps and other educational events for children age 4.
31 SHI works with public school teachers through its math and culture academy, Opening the Box, which teaches math skills to middle-school students through Northwest Coast art and culture. Through the annual academy, students attend culture-based math camps where Native art practices such as basketry, weaving, and canoe making are used to teach math. The teachers also increase their knowledge of Native cultural traditions, protocols, and art as they affect mathematical learning.
Top: In 2016, students learned math concepts by making bentwood boxes and halibut hooks (opposite). Above, left: Students also wove cordage using spruce roots, then tested the strength to deduce the maximum size halibut their hooks could catch. Above, right: Students learned how to measure a halibut jaw, then deduce weight and size of the entire fish by using equations.
32 // 2016 annual report Math and Culture Academy
Student holding a halibut hook she made at SHI’s 2016 math and culture academy. Halibut hooks are ancient and ingenious indigenous tools that historically allowed users to target certain-sized fish, which helped to sustain the resource.
education program // 33 Sealaska Heritage Institute sponsors an annual Latseen Hoop Camp. SHI developed the model for this program, which teaches basketball skills and the Southeast Alaska Native four core cultural values. The program has been offered across the region, and the 2016 camp was held in Juneau. “Latseen” translates as strength of mind, body, and spirit.
Latseen Hoop Camp
34 // 2016 annual report Latseen Running Academy
SHI sponsors an annual Latseen Running Camp in Juneau to strengthen body, mind, and spirit and to further connect Native people to Haa Aaní—our land. The program borrows from two of four core cultural values— Haa Aaní: Our Land: Honoring & Utilizing our Land (Haida: Íitl’ Tlagáa; Tsimshian: Na Yuubm) and Haa Latseen: Our Strength: Strength of Body, Mind, and Spirit (Haida: Íitl’ Dagwiigáay; Tsimshian: Na Yugyetga’nm).
education program // 35 Latseen Leadership Academy
SHI sponsors an annual Latseen Leadership Academy to provide engaging culturally-based education and activities for youth in support of their future academic and personal success with a focus on rigor, relevance, and relationships. The 2016 academy was held in Angoon.
36 // 2016 annual report education program // 37 Voices on the Land
Sealaska Heritage sponsors an innovative program that seeks to improve literacy skills and increase use of the Tlingit language through performing arts and digital storytelling. Through the program—Voices on the Land—SHI is integrating performing arts and digital storytelling into six Juneau schools through artists in residence, digital storytelling, and teacher training academies. The Tlingit language also is integrated into the activities.
38 // 2016 annual report Left and bottom: Guest speakers Ernestine Hayes, a Tlingit author, and tribal leader Edward Thomas in 2016 gave lectures to educators about the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Native world views. SHI sponsors orientations for teachers to ensure they have a general understanding of Native cultures.
Below: Assistant Professor of Alaska Native Languages Lance Twitchell was awarded Sealaska’s 2016 Judson Brown scholarship. Nearly $416,000 in other Sealaska scholarships was awarded in 2016.
Cultural Orientations and Scholarships
education program // 39 Language Program
Sealaska Heritage in 2016 received a large federal grant to revitalize the languages of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian in four Southeast Alaska communities. The program, Haa Shuká: Voices of Our Ancestors, builds on the institute’s previous language revitalization efforts, including a Tlingit language mentor-apprentice program that ended in 2016. Five regional language teams were chosen in Juneau, Sitka, Metlakatla, and Hydaburg and SHI founded a language committee to help guide the program.
Above: SHI’s new language revitalization project is based on a three-year Tlingit language mentor-apprentice program that wrapped in 2016.
40 // 2016 annual report In 2016, SHI appointed a new language committee to help guide its new language program, Haa Shuká: Voices of Our Ancestors. Committee members include, from left, Benjamin Young (Haida), Gavin Hudson (Tsimshian), and Lance X’unei Twitchell (Tlingit).
SHI in 2016 released its first Tlingit apps for students who want to learn Tlingit through mobile devices. The apps include “Learning Tlingit” (left)—an app with more than three hundred Tlingit words, phrases, and sounds—and “Tlingit Language Games” (above)—which teaches the Tlingit words for ocean animals and birds. “Learning Tlingit” also includes a podcast. The apps are available for Apple and Android devices, and SHI plans to use the framework to create Haida and Tsimshian apps. 41 42 // 2016 annual report CULTURE AND HISTORY PROGRAM
Sealaska Heritage curates exhibits and develops and oversees scholarly research projects that support SHI’s mission. These projects contribute to the increase of knowledge about Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures and history and to the development of school curriculum materials and lesson plans. Other activity areas include language transcriptions and translations, publications, visiting scholars, and a lecture series.
• Exhibits • Collections 1,700 • Lectures PEOPLE SERVED IN 2016 • Research
culture and history program // 43 Sealaska Heritage curates exhibits for the general public to promote cross-cultural understanding. In 2016, staff curated a new exhibit “Alaska Native Masks: Art & Ceremony” featuring fifty Iñupiat, Yup’ik, Athabascan, Alutiiq, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian masks. SHI also exhibited highly prized clan possessions that are integral to traditional ceremonies. In addition, SHI showed pieces from its Juried Art Show and Competition and “Exemplary Works” exhibit. Exhibits44 // 2016 annual report “Tuunraq with Gaping Mouth” mask by the late Tlingit artist Jim Schoppert is one of fifty pieces on display at Sealaska Heritage Institute’s “Alaska Native Masks: Art & Ceremony” exhibit, which is scheduled to open in May 2017 in Juneau.
Education // 45 Collections
Sealaska Heritage houses rare books, historical photographs, audiovisual recordings, manuscript materials, and ethnographic objects that document the history, culture, heritage, art, and language of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. Most of the recordings are unique and cannot be found in other libraries, archives, or repositories. SHI makes these materials available to the public for research to promote scholarship. In 2016, SHI received 240 new objects through acquisitions and donations. Collections are stored in a climate-controlled vault at Sealaska Heritage Institute and cared for by a professional staff.
Above: In 2016, Tlingit photojournalist Brian Wallace donated to SHI tools used by his father, the late, renowned Tlingit artist Amos Wallace. The collection includes the adze seen in the 1967 photo taken in Fairbanks, where Amos carved two large totem poles—he is pictured with young Brian. The tools are hand made and a few date to the 1930s. Brian donated them to SHI so artists and researchers can learn from them.
46 // 2016 annual report In 2016, SHI hosted museum staff from across the state for the Angels Project—an annual instructional session centered on a conservation project at a host museum. This year’s project was focused on creating museum-quality storage arrangements for SHI’s robes, blankets, and a tunic. SHI’s collections staff—with assistance from 14 participants—rehoused 21 textile objects in the collections vault. The Angels Project was part of the Museums Alaska Annual Conference 2016, a joint conference with the Alaska Historical Society.
culture and history program // 47 SHI sponsors a visiting scholars program to encourage study of indigenous cultures and use of its collections. In 2016, SHI hosted scholars Jacob Adams, a Ph.D. student in law who also serves on the law faculty at the University of Tromsø; Dr. Caitlin Stern of Santa Fe Institute; and Dr. Jessica Barker of Aarhus University. Their research examined Native intellectual property rights and Alaska Native identity respectively.
Visiting Scholars
48 // 2016 annual report Research
SHI in 2016 released a statewide study on the current definition of “Alaska Native” and how the rule could affect future generations of Natives who want to hunt marine mammals, such as sea otter (above: artist Jerrod Galanin sewing with sea otter fur). The study, conducted by anthropologist Dr. Steve Langdon through Sealaska Heritage, outlines several approaches the Native community may want to consider to protect their descendants’ hunting rights.
SHI in 2016 also engaged in research in the following areas: Traditional use and knowledge of Tlingit and Haida halibut hooks; Tlingit and Haida place names and traditional salmon and halibut fishing; technology in support of a future exhibit and associated curriculum materials; Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian clan houses for a new exhibit in SHI’s clan house; herring restoration practices using traditional knowledge; and repatriation.
culture and history program // 49 Lectures
SHI sponsors lectures as a public service to encourage study of indigenous cultures and to promote cross-cultural understanding. In 2016, SHI’s November lecture series in celebration of Native American Heritage Month honored traditional warriors and Native veterans.
Above: SHI’s 2016 November lecture series featured a panel discussion with Alaska Native veterans Fred Bennett, Donald See, Royal Hill, Warren Sheakley, George Lindoff, and James Lindoff. The men spoke about their experiences during and after the Vietnam War, following a showing of the documentary “Hunting in Wartime.” The film, made by Samantha Farinella, features interviews with the men, who all served in Vietnam and who all came from Hoonah. “We weren’t the same people when we came home—and we’re still not the same,” said veteran and panelist Fred Bennett. “It took a long time to get where we are today, to where we can talk about it—and we’re real careful when we do.” The event was moderated by Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Commander Ozzie Sheakley and included veteran U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Watch video of all lectures at https://goo.gl/itaFNx.
50 // 2016 annual report SHI’s November series also included a lecture honoring our nation’s code talkers. Navajo code talkers have long been recognized for the crucial part they played in World War II. But until very recently, no one knew that Tlingit code talkers also used the Tlingit language as a code that the enemy was never able to crack. Even the families of the Tlingit code talkers did not know of their secret service until recently.
Below: Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Commander Ozzie Sheakley spoke about Tlingit code talkers Mark Jacobs, Harvey Jacobs, George Lewis, Jeff David, and Richard Bean and their Congressional Gold and Silver Medals. Sheakley was followed by Judith Avila, author of “Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII”.
culture and history program // 51 Lectures
Other lectures in 2016 included, from top left, clockwise: “The Way of the Warrior” by Kai Monture; “The Lifelong Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)” by Dr. Vincent J. Felitti; Prof. Marie-Francoise Guedon of the University of Ottawa, who spoke about working with the late anthropologist Frederica de Laguna in Alaska; “The Fertile Environment for Legal Protections of Native Alaskan Handicraft Heritage” by Jacob Adams; “Terrifying Visages: Armored Warriors of the northern Northwest Coast” by Steve Henrikson (not pictured); and, “Alaska Native Identity” by Dr. Caitlin Stern from the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico and Dr. Jessie Livia Barker from the Aarhus University in Denmark (not pictured).
Opposite: “Yuraryaraput Kangiit-llu: Our Ways of Dance and Their Meanings” by Dr. Theresa Arevgaq John, 2016 lecture.
52 // 2016 annual report culture and history program // 53 In 2016, SHI advocated on behalf of Alaska Natives on nearly twenty issues and initiatives, including the institute’s effort to establish a federal tax credit for collectors who return sacred objects, such as the old Chilkat blanket pictured above.
Opposite: SHI President Rosita Worl testifying before a state legislative committee.
54 // 2016 annual report ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Executive staff monitors and advocates on public policy issues and funding at the federal, state, and city government level. Staff advocates on matters related to education, arts and culture programs. In 2016, SHI advocated for nearly twenty initiatives to:
• Establish the arts as an arts industry under state policy • Amend federal and state legislation to include arts and crafts as eligible for training programs • Increase federal funding to Native Arts organizations • Establish Juneau as the Northwest Coast Arts Capital and to designate NWC arts as a national treasure • Enforce the Indian Arts and Crafts Act • Reject a Juneau petition to penalize the homeless • Protect SHI’s tax exemption status • Support funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities
advocacy // 55 In 2012, award-winning Tlinigt artist Archie Cavanaugh was slapped with federal charges because he tried to sell a shakee.át (headdress) adorned with flicker feathers, which he was later forced to remove (above). Since then, SHI has advocated to amend the Migratory Bird Act to allow sale of Native art adorned with migratory bird feathers, which were historically incorporated into cultural and sacred objects.
56 // 2016 annual report In 2016, SHI advocated to sustain funding for the Alaska Native Education Program, which has a proven track record of supporting educational programs that have measurable results. The program has funded numerous SHI programs, including its early-education program Baby Raven Reads (above and right), through which SHI has published culturally-based children’s books.
• Sustain funding for the Alaska Native Education Program • Protect subsistence fisheries, including the Unuk River ooligan fisheries • Study the effects of the definition of “Alaska Native” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and its potential detrimental effects to future generations of Native hunters • Amend the Migratory Bird Act regulations to authorize sale of arts with migratory bird feathers • Amend the Fur Products Labeling Act to exempt Alaska Natives • Stop a national ban on all ivory sales • Amend the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act to: • Enforce findings of the NAGPRA Review Committee • Ensure museum compliance with NAGPRA • Protect cultural objects and prohibit export • Establish a tax credit for collectors who return sacred objects Native people, and • Establish the University of Alaska Southeast as the lead administrative center for its school of education
advocacy // 57 Celebration 2016 was funded by many donors, including Sealaska, which has been the event’s main sponsor since the first Celebration in 1982.
58 // 2016 annual report DONORS
Sealaska Heritage Institute is a nonprofit organization and relies on public funds and private donations to provide programs for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, scholars, and the general public. The institute is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible. SHI gratefully acknowledges our 2016 donors:
$125,000–$250,000 • Administration for Native Americans • Sealaska
$10,000–$25,000 • City and Borough of Juneau • National Endowment for the Arts/ • Juneau Arts and Humanities Council Alaska State Council on the Arts
$5,000–$9,999 • Alaska Airlines • KTOO • Institute of Museum and Library • Rasmuson Foundation Services • Rod Worl and Dawn Dinwoodie • Juneau Convention & Visitors Bureau • Wostmann & Associates
$2,500–$4,999 • Anthony Mallott • City and Borough of Juneau Youth • Boyer Towing, Inc. Activities Fund • BP • GCI • Carolyn and Carla Kleefeld and Celeste • Kathy Ruddy Worl • Koniag, Inc. • Central Council of the Tlingit and • KPMG LLP Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska • Wells Fargo
donors // 59 $1,000–$2,499 • ABC Stations • Fred Meyer • Alaska Permanent Capital • Goldbelt, Inc. ManagementAlaska State Library, • Greens Creek Archives, and Museum • Lee Kadinger • Alaska USA • Maria Williams • Byron & Toni Mallott • Perkins Coie, LLC • Chuck Smythe • Rainbow Heritage Foundation • ConocoPhillips • Robert Banghart • Elgee Rehfeld Mertz, LLC • Rosita Worl • First Alaskans Institute • University of Alaska Southeast
$500–$999 • Alaska Litho, Inc. • Marianna Rolland & Floyd Guthrie • Anonymous • Mary Miller • Barbara Pastorino • McDowell Group • Bullwinkles Pizza • MEBS Global Reach, LC • Council of Alaska Producers • MRV Architects, PC • Edward K. & Catherine V. Thomas • Nancy Kovalik • Jackie & Chris Pata • R&M Engineering • Jason Fujioka • Ricardo Worl Sr. • Joe Exendine • Robert & Rita Moore • Juneau Lions Club • Ron & Kathy Maas • Kari Metz-Jabalde • Security Alliance, LLC • Kathy Dye & Brad Fluetsch • Stephen Langdon • Lee Wallace • Teresa Schimanski
$250–$499 • Alaska Power & Telephone • Joe & Belen Cook • Aldona Jonaitis • Kari Groven • C&C Steamway Services • Kathryn & Jonathan Scribner • Chris Bader - Arthur J. Gallagher • Lois & Marshall Lind • ERISA Compliance Associates, LLC • Marlene Johnson • Floyd Guthrie & Marianne Rolland • Mary & Chris McNeil • Harold & Jackie Martin • Mayme, Andrew, Jeff, Rachel & Dennis Nickerson
60 // 2016 annual report • McDonald’s of Southeast Alaska • Todd Antioquia & Brendan Sullivan • Nancy Barnes • Vicki Soboleff • Suzi Jones
Up to $249 • Adeline Burton • Barbara Bird • Agnes Borden • Barbara Cadiente-Nelson • Agnes Lundy • Barbara Churchill • Alan Mintz • Barbara Denney • Albert Frank • Barbara Greene • Albert Hale • Barbara Patrick • Alberta Martin • Barbara Rains • Alexis Fay • Barbara Webb • Alfred McKinley • Barbara Yugulis • Alice Bugni • Benjamin Mallott • Alice Morris • Benjamin McElroy • Alvin George • Benjamin Schultz • Amelia Gage • Bernice Donnelly & son Michael • Amy Ferguson • Beth Ketah • Amy Fletcher • Betty Allen • Analicia Casteneda-Felipe • Betty Jensen • Andrew Engstrom • Beverly Kerr • Andrew Peters • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska • Angela Moran • Bradley Fluetsch • Angelina Aranda-Jackson • Bradley Kerr • Anna Waller • Braxton Richert • Anne Fuller & Michael Sakarias • Brennan Angus • Anne Tompkins • Brian Ackerman • Annette Thompson • Brian Beard • Antoinette Kahklen-Hoffman • Brian Wallace • Antone Araujo • Brittany Sahnow • Arlene Flores • Bruce Jones • Arlene Tripp • Burt Jackson • Arnold Gray • Byron Mallott • Audrey Fields • Caleb Kuikhoven
donors // 61 • Callen Richert • Cindy Thomas • Candace Turi • Clara Garcia • Candace Williams • Clara Harris • Carl Stepetin • Claude Cowart • Carlene Newman • Claudette Curtis • Carmaleeda Estrada • Claudia Gregory • Carmel Walder • Colyn Lyons • Carol Borchers • Conner Nauman • Carol Harvey • Connie Beemer • Carole Sparck • Connie Lambert • Caroline Bashon • Conrad Brown • Carson Dorn, Inc. • Consuelo Parham • Casey Meyers • Corinne Parker • Casey Thompson • Corrine Garza • Catherine Bremner • Corrine James • Cathleen L. Suan • Cory Johnson • Cathleen Nevers • Costco Wholesale • Ceasar Fernandez • Courtney Guthrie • Charla Bernhardt • Courtney Peratrovich • Charles Cook • Craig Weisner • Charles Didrickson • Crow Feathers Smith • Charles Gordon • Curtis Wynn • Charles Renville • Cynthia Kito • Charles Spall • D Leask • Cheri Moy • Dagmar Seley • Cheri Thomas • Dane Maughan • Cheryl Griffitts • Daniel Churchill • Cheryl Klein • Darlene Smallwood • Chris Meserve • Darlene Tyson • Christina Eriksen • Darrel Verney • Christine White • Daughters of James Al Martin • Christopher Johnsen • David Baines • Christy Belanger • David Grant • Cindi Larson • David Howard • Cindy Heipp • David Leask
62 // 2016 annual report • David Petruska • Edward Kalkins • David Stallings • Edward Sarabia • Davina Cole • Edward Thomas • Dawn Norton • Edward Warren • Dayna Carlson-Arnold • Edwell John • Deanna Lampe • Edwin Stewart • Deborah Cleland • Einar Haaseth • Debra Bolanos • Elaine Frank • Debra McLaughlin • Elaine Kookesh • Delfin Cesar • Eliza Boal • Denice Knapp • Elizabeth Cook • Dennis Skeek • Ella Connolly • Denny Ward • Ellen Greig • Derek Duncan • Eloise Kanosh • Desmona Stevick • Elsie Milton Beattie • Destenie Vital • Elsie Sorum-Birk • Devin Drones • Emily, Jerry Jr., Charles, & Steven • Dexh Teexli, Terry Williams Bennett • Diana Kodad • Ernest Barnes • Diane Benson • Ernest Mills • Diane Kytta • Ernest Morven • Dianna Novela • Erwin Anselm • Dianne Smith • Estella Clark • Dino Rossi • Estra Weaver • Donald Frank • Ethel Lund • Donald Kasbohm • Eva Bradley • Donald Smith • Evelyn Carter • Donald Wells • Faith Golden • Donna Drake • Faith Guthert • Donna Knight • Florence Moore • Dora Jacobson • Florence Reynolds • Doris Hunter • Floyd Guthrie • Dorothy Willard • Frances Cummings • Eagle Clan, Metlakatla • Frances Rader • Edna Peters • Frank Watson
donors // 63 • Franklin Churchill • Isaac Cadiente • Frederick Lauth • Jack & Marti Lee • Fredrick Hulse • Jacqueline Pata • Gaanax aya ya’ada • Jade Araujo • Garth Stein • Jaeleen Araujo • Genevieve Schmidt • James Gartland • George Esquiro • James Jensen • George Jim • James Mason • George Makaily • James Masse & children, Brian & John • George Valle Masse • George Walters • James Simmons • George Westman • Jamie Adams • Gerald Dronen • Janice Heaton Sheufelt • Gerald Slover • Janice Shafer • Glenn & Liz Howard & Family • Jasmine James • Glenn Hamar • Jason Brune • Gordon and Elizabeth Evans • Jean Adams • Gordon Goodell • Jean Gamache • Gordon Greenwald • Jeane Breinig • Grady Wright • Jeanette Strickland • Grant Kinney • Jeanne Berretta • Gwendolyn Hall • Jeanne Maughan • Hannahlynn Kadinger • Jeannette B. Newland • Harley Finney • Jeffrey Davis • Harvey Skan • Jeffrey Jainga • Heather Clark • Jeffrey Morris • Heidi Petersen Leach • Jenna Novela • Heleena Collins • Jennifer Dailey • Henry Beasley • Jennifer Hughan • Ian Ross • Jesse Caster-Eldridge • Ilya McVey • Jesse Jackson • Inez Patterson • Jessie Archibald • Irene Herd • Jewel Didrickson • Irene Shea • Jilliene Bolker • Irma Hutchinson • Joan McClenny
64 // 2016 annual report • Joanne Milmore • Kanaan Bausler • Joanne Triggs • Kara McElroy • Joanne West • Karen Giroux • Jody Aubuchon • Karen Heuer • Joe Nelson • Karen Kropf • Johanna Mitchell • Karen Thompson • John Bird • Karla Olsen Smith • John Brainard • Kathleen Powell • John C. Morris Sr. & Charlotte E. Dick • Kathleen Shea • John Dexter • Kathleen Warden • John Gillen • Kathryn Hoyt • John Gubatayao • Kathy and Terry Dauck • John Novela • Kaylin Anderson • John Phipps • Keely Linn • John Tonemah • Kellie, David & Benjamin Bliss • John Willis • Kelly Greene • Johnny Aranda-Jackson • Kenneth Hoyt • Jon Duncan • Kenneth Lewis • Joni Pico • Kerri Thomas • Joseph Bennett • Kevin Ramey • Joseph Emery • Kevin Snodgrass • Joseph London • Kevin Starnes • Joseph Orazio • Kim Metcalfe • Joseph Ross • Kimen Metzger • Josephine Purcell • Kimi Boal • Jossline Aranda-Jackson • Kolene James • Joyce Baldwin • Kris Ahlen • Joyce Troyer • Kristina Garrity • Judith Andrist • Kristina Loy • Judith Egan Dompier • Kurtis Stuckey • Julian Quinto • Lance Peterson • June May • Laurie Miller • Juneau Rubber Stamp, LLC • Lavina Guy • Kaasanak & Jooteen • Lavonne Garvey • Kai Monture • Leiani Eiford
donors // 65 • Leona Meredith • Marilyn Wilson • Leroy Demmert • Marilyn Wyckoff • Leroy Smith • Marisa Viloria • Leroy Wallace • Marissa Osenga • Leslie Nelson • Mark Zastrow • Lewis Zastrow • Marlene Cesar • Lillian Marvin • Marlene Hughes • Lillian Worl • Martin Environmental • Linda Belarde, Daphne Belarde Wright, • Martin Perez & Edna Belarde Lamebull • Marvell Nix • Linda Greene • Mary Edenso • Linda Nunez • Mary Ellen Frank • Linda Wynne • Mary Katasse • Lisa Bauschelt • Mary Paulson • Lisa Marie Dewitt-Narino • Mary Pavao • Lloyd Barber • Mary Ratliff • Lloyd Goodrich • Mary, Jason Holland II & Sany Holland • Lois Thadei • Mathew DeWitt • Lorene Taylor • Matthew Castillo • Loretta Ness • Maxine Moore • Lorie Pruett • Maya Araujo • Lornell Jackson • Melanie Greer • Lorraine Shane & Bonnie J King • Melanie Reeder • Lou Hillman • Meredith Hunt • Louise Kadinger • Michael Browne • Lucinda Leask • Michael Christenson • Madeline Brainard • Michael Douglas • Marcus Martin • Michael Gordon • Marelda Abney • Michael Hoyt • Margaret Bueing • Michael Miller • Margaret Cerafici • Michael O’Connell • Margaret Martin • Michael Thompson • Maria Ruybal • Michele Kito • Mariah Kadinger • Michelle Duncan • Marigold Lindoff • Michelle Metz
66 // 2016 annual report • Mike Hamar • Patrick Olsen • Mike Miller • Paul Dybdahl • Milton DeAsis • Paul Smith • Mindi Miller • Paula Casperson • Miranda Worl • Peeranut Visetsuth • Mitchell Brooks • Peggy Ackerman-Sedivy • Mitchell Glover • Penney Elzey • Morgan Love • Penny Gage • Moses Smith • Phyllis Carlson • Murray Crookes • Priscilla Steele • Myrna Torgramsen • Ptarmica Garnick • Nadine Price • Randolph Barlow • Natalie Rehfeld • Raven Clan, Metlakatla • Natalie Suan • Ray Skan Sr. & Trudy • Nathan McCowan • Raymond Thiemeyer • Nathanial Herz • Raymond Wilson • Nicholas Fawcett • Rebecca Brooks • Noah Gray • Rebecca Knight • Nobu Koch • Rebecca Menzone • Nyna Fleury • Rebecca Morris • Olga Simpson • Reginald Marvin • Olivia Jaspers • Reginald Peterson • Pamela Watson • Renee Lakey • Pat Nor • Rhonda Shumway-Luna • Patricia Alexander • Ricardo Pintado • Patricia Baldwin • Ricardo Worl • Patricia Greathouse • Ricardo Worl, Jr. • Patricia Mackey • Richard Dalton • Patricia Parris • Richard Kilmer • Patricia Pool • Richard Potolicchio • Patricia Richey • Richard Rinehart • Patrick Anderson • Richard Rose • Patrick Hamilton • Richard Wilkin • Patrick Marvin • Rico Demientieff-Worl • Patrick McKinley • Rob Hoyt
donors // 67 • Robert Allen • Sandra Samaniego • Robert Crane • Scott Angus • Robert Edwardson • Sean Appleton • Robert Kerstetter • Serena Alsup Hart • Robert Walters • Shannon Fluetsch • Roberta Bennett • Shannon Harrison • Roberta Cantrell • Shannon Winterton • Roberta Gulledge • Sharen Ahrens • Roberta Wilcox • Sharon Hallam • Robin Gage • Sharon Jacobsen • Robin Waldron • Sheila Fluetsch • Roger McKinley • Sherrie Hymer • Ron Wolfe • Sheryl Haase • Ronald Williams • Shirley Holifield • Rosaline Smith • Shyann Beltran • Rose Natkong • Sidney Edenshaw • Rose Risley • Sienna Paddock • Ross Hardy • Stanley Jones • Roy Guthrie • Stephan Flores • Ruby Hughes • Stephanie Frank • Ruby Kindley • Stephen Smeltzer • Ruth Beymer • Stephen Smith • Ruth Maslowski • Steve, William, Bert, Gerald, Arlene, & • Ryan Walker Gerald, Jr. • Sally Kookesh • Steven Demmert • Sally Smith • Steven Riley • Sandra Edwardson • Stuart Jaspers • Sandra Kuhnau • Susan Anderson
68 // 2016 annual report • Susan Andrianoff • Tyler Brooks • Susan Love • Valerie Lekanoff • Susan Rendon • Vaughn Storm • Sven Ahlen • Vernon Russell • Sylvia Dalton • Veronica Dalton • T.W. Hall • Vicki Tomal • Tamara Kearns • Victoria Canul-Dunne • Tamera Chavarria • Victoria Craddick • Tammie Hanson • Virgil Luckhurst • Tanner Love • Vivian Gouge • Teal McConn • Voshte Demmert-Gustafson • Teresa Mally • Wallace Marvin • Teresa Timo • Walter & Arlene Adams • Terry Hosford • Walter Kindell • Theresa Belton • Wayne Jackson • Theresa Howard & children • Wendy Glidmann • Thomas See • Wesley Dalton • Thomas Yester • Western Auto Marine • Tiara Light • Wilfred Dick • Timothy Lewis • William Fisher • Timothy Van Horn • William Kanash • Timothy Young • William Stokes • Tina Culleeny • William Thomas • Todd Antioquia • William Wilson • Tracey Ray • Wilma Fergestrom • Trove Family • Wilma Staveland • Troy Hickman • Worl Family • Trudy & Ray Skan Sr. • Wyatt Harvey
donors // 69 Facade of SHI’s Walter Soboleff Building. Opposite: National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) tour of SHI. From left: SHI Art Director Kari Groven, SHI Culture and History Director Chuck Smythe, SHI President Rosita Worl, Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) Chair Benjamin Brown, NEA Chair Jane Chu, ASCA Executive Director Shannon Daut, ASCA Council Member Patrick Race, SHI Chief Operating Officer Lee Kadinger, and SHI Chair Marlene Johnson. The NEA and ASCA are major sponors of SHI’s programs.
70 // 2016 annual report FINANCIALS
Sealaska Heritage is a regional Native nonprofit 501(c) (3) corporation and relies on public funds and private donations to provide programs for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian, and the public.
In 2016, Sealaska donated $1,541,000 cash and $84,000 in in-kind services to SHI. The institute leveraged this and raised an additional $5,180,000. Sealaska also $7.3 donated $540,000 in scholarships to students through a million program administered by SHI. In total, SHI generated TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED IN 2016 $7,345,000 in 2016.
The donations and grants funded SHI programs, which served a total of 52,000 people in 2016.
financials // 71 Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2016 (Summary Financial Statement—compiled from audited report)
2016
Unrestricted
Revenues and Support Contributions and Grants 4,355,515 Sales, Dues and Fees 314,966 Total Investment Income/(Loss) 2,610 Net Assets Released from Restrictions 2,210,720 Total Revenues and Support and Net Assets Released from Restrictions 6,883,811
Expenses Program Services 4,639,968 Support Services Management and General 1,098,235 Resource Development 44,813 Total Expenses 5,783,016
Change in Net Assets 1,100,795
Net Assets, Beginning of Year 22,663,377
Net Assets, End of Year 23,764,172
72 // 2016 annual report Temporarily Permanently restricted restricted Total
1,908,397 - 6,263,912 - - 314,966 7,764 - 10,374 (2,210,720) - -
(294,559) - 6,589,252
- - 4,639,968 - - - 1,098,235 - - 44,813 - - 5,783,016
(294,559) 191,000 806,236
2,250,297 25,104,674
1,955,738 191,000 25,910,910
financials // 73 Clockwise, from top: Council of Traditional Scholars meeting; Native Artist Committee member Delores Churchill with artists TJ Young and Stephen Jackson; Traditional Scholar Paul Marks speaking to a visiting scholar with Traditional Scholar Council Chair Ken Grant at right.
74 // 2016 annual report BOARD & COMMITTEES
Board of Trustees Council of Traditional Scholars • Marlene Johnson, Chair • Ken Grant, Chair • Albert Kookesh, Vice-Chair • Ruth Demmert • Joe Nelson (ex officio) • Joe Hotch • Jeane Breinig • David Katzeek • Barbara Cadiente-Nelson • Paul Marks • Shgen George • Ted Valle • Nathan McCowan • Joe Zuboff • Mike Miller • Lee Wallace • Maria Williams
Native Artist Committee Southeast Regional Language Committee • Steve Brown • Lance X’unei Twitchell • Delores Churchill • Gavin Hudson • Nicholas Galanin • Benjamin Young • Nathan Jackson • Da-ka-xeen Mehner
board & committees // 75 Some of SHI’s staff on Halloween, 2016. “Where’s Waldo?”
76 // 2016 annual report STAFF
• Dr. Rosita Kaaháni Worl, Ph.D., • Tammie Hanson, Retail Manager President • Katrina Hotch, Education Project • Kaylin Anderson, Human Resources Coordinator and Administrative Director • Lee Kadinger, Chief of Operations • Nancy Barnes, Education Project • Nobu Koch, Publications Specialist Coordinator • Jackie Kookesh, Education Director • Phyllis Carlson, Deputy Education • Heather McClain, Research Specialist Director • Jill Meserve, Language Project • Davina Cole, Arts Assistant Coordinator • Kathy Dye, Media Specialist • Allyson Olds, Research Specialist • Leo Ellis, Assistant Retail Manager • Natasha Phillips, Lead Retail Sales • Carmaleeda Estrada, Development Associate Associate and Scholarship • Kathy Powell, Receptionist Administrator • Mary Richey, Executive Assistant and • Amy Fletcher, Media and Publications Operations Coordinator Director • Chuck Smythe, Ph.D., Culture and • William Geiger, Research Specialist History Director • Donald Gregory, Reception/Facilities • Jennifer Treadway, Archivist Coordinator • LaVina VanSickle, Education Project • Kari Groven, Art Director Coordinator
staff // 77 Clarissa Rizal, Ravenstail & Chilkat Weavers Present, Celebration 2016.
78 // 2016 annual report FAREWELL
2016 was a difficult year, as we lost two of our most important Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers.
The first blow came when we learned that Chaas’ Koowu Tlaa (Teri Rofkar) of the T’akdeintaan Clan Walked Into The Forest on December 2.
Less than a week later came the news that Clarissa Rizal, a Raven of the T’akdeintaan (black-legged Kittywake) Clan, had passed.
Not so long ago, we were in danger of losing the knowledge on how to make our sacred Chilkat and Ravenstail weavings. We as Native people owe a debt of gratitude to Clarissa and Teri for mastering Teri Rofkar. our sacred art traditions and for teaching others to weave.
Because of Teri and Clarissa and artists like them we are seeing a revitalization of weaving and a resurgence of artists learning to weave. Teri was also a renowned spruce- root weaver, and she helped to preserve and pass on that endangered art form as well.
They left us too soon, but they will continue to be with us through their robes that will be danced and participate in ceremonies. We are grieving the loss of them, but we are happy to have known them and grateful for the work they did on this Earth.
farewell // 79 80 // 2016 annual report