Three robes grace the work space of Silver Cloud Art Center in Haines, Alaska run by Cherri and Wayne Price who hosted a Chilkat Weavers' Retreat in April 2009 - Darlene See (Hoonah, AK) quietly works on her Chilkat robe

How many of you know about Evergreen Longhouse?   I do not remember how I found out about them, but two years ago, I received a couple of grants from them that helped support my travel to two projects that I spearheaded:  1).  the Chilkat Weavers’ Presentation and Demonstration at the 2009 Clan Conference in Juneau in March, and directly following the demonstration was the Chilkat Weavers’ Retreat in April in Haines, Alaska; and 2).  the purchase of warp yarns to begin my 6th robe, a combination robe of Chilkat and Ravenstail.

Chilkat Weavers' Retreat participants included (L to R): Clarissa Rizal, Darlene See, Bev Morris, Patrice DeAsis, Alice (obscured), Debra Michel, Isabelle, Lily Hudson and Ann Smith - the men in the background are Wayne Price (project host) and Brian Walker (Ann Smith's husband)

“The “House of Welcome” Longhouse Education and Cultural Center is a public service center at the Evergreen State College.  Built in collaboration with Northwest tribes, it is the first building of its kind on a public campus in the United States.  The Longhouse is a multi-purpose facility, able to serve a variety of educational, cultural and community functions.  Founded upon a vision of hospitality and service, it is a gathering place for people of all cultural backgrounds to teach and learn with each other.

The Longhouse’s public service mission is to promote indigenous arts and cultures through education, cultural preservation, creative expression and economic development.”

Chilkat Weavers' Demonstration at the 2009 Clan Conference in the lobby of Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska

The Longhouse is mainly run by a team of three women, Tina Kuckkahn-Miller, the Executive Director; Laura Grabhorn, Assistant Director and Coordinator Bonnie Graft.  I met Laura during our 2008 Northwest Coast Artist Gathering during Power Point Presentation of Artists and Arts Organizations (see sponsoring organization Artstream Cultural Resources).  I am totally impressed with the staff of this organization and what this organization has done for the Native artist, and their communties.  Over the past two years, I’ve encouraged many Native artists to visit the Evergreen Longhouse’s website and apply for the two types of Native Artist grants they have to offer.  Click here to visit their website.

Weavers Kay Parker (Juneau), Lorene Hanlon (Seattle), and Debra Michel (Atlin, B.C.) during the Chilkat Weavers' Demonstration and Presentation at the 2009 Clan Conference, April, Juneau, Alaska