ANB Hall Fundraiser With Veterans Celebration in Hoonah, Alaska

Aug 26, 2010 | Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated | 1 comment

On the Auke Bay ramp to the float to catch the Allen Marine's Catamaran

Two Allen Marine catamarans pulled out of Auke Bay’s boat harbor to Hoonah early morning last Saturday, August 21, with almost 150 Juneauites on board each boat.  The town of Hoonah has more veterans in the State of Alaska per capita than any other town in Alaska – it was time to celebrate.  To coincide with the event, Hoonah’s Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall hosted a fundraising event to pay for its taxes for the year;  5 Native dance groups from Juneau participated.  The catamarans were packed.  This was just a day trip.  15 minutes out of Auke Bay’s harbor the weather, of course, improved.  The 2.5 hour sail to Hoonah was beautiful; the sky broke, the ocean glassy, and the captain shut down the engines for about 20 minutes while a pod of about 12 humpback whales swam around us!  (when I learn how to add videos to my blog, I’m adding the one I took of the whales swimming towards us…check back by the end of August to see this video).

Although I am not part of a dance group in Juneau, I brought my button robe and beaded hat.  I knew there would be the welcoming ceremony when we arrived at the dock in Hoonah.  As we pulled in to the harbor, most everyone on board (who was attending the event) dressed in their regalia.  Songs were shared.  Cameras were flashing; videos shot.  And there were lots of children!

2nd Catamaran pulling into Hoonah Harbor; Graveyard Island in background

Arriving Hoonah town

One of my mother's best friends, Lillian Austin

Eagle/Raven Dance group leader, Atricia Makaily and daughter Leandra are Chilkat weaving on board the ship

Clarissa checks out Atricia's work

A son assists his father doning his regalia to prepare to greet their hosts

Hoonah's Mt. Fairweather dance group welcomes their Juneau guests

Dancers listen to their hosts singing the welcoming songs

Rose with baby Lilliana wait to disembark

Heading for the ANB Hall in Hoonah

Everyone heads up the Hoonah dock ramp in anticipation of a good celebration at the ANB Hall

I went to Hoonah to pick berries with my friends Jan and Greg.  I knew this was my only chance.  I had to make a choice between celebrations and berry-picking.  The harvest was fabulous!

“Jennie Weaves An Apprentice” Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook

Aug 11, 2010 | Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, To Market To Market | 3 comments

I am in the process of editing this handbook that I wrote and self-printed for a class I taught at the University of Alaska Juneau back in the Summer of 2005; and I’ve had this handbook available to my students since.   I hope to have the edited version completed by this Winter 2010.

This practical guide provides Chilkat weavers of all experience levels pertinent information gained from my apprenticeship in 1986 with the last traditional Chilkat weaver, Jennie Thlunaut; combined with my experiences as a weaver and a teacher of this traditional art form since the mid-80’s; topped with additional information from Jennie’s daughter, Agnes Bellinger. Most of the information in this handbook can also be applied to Ravenstail weaving. With black & white, color photos and drawings, some of the information includes: Jennie’s astounding fingering technique (for speed, accuracy and tension), her philosophies, traditions, values and tricks-of-the-trade; including my apprenticeship with Jennie, preparation of materials and supplies, natural & commercial dyeing, weft color samples, list of suppliers, a traveler’s weaving loom pattern; designs and descriptions; and, keeping with traditions, some of the information is shared with a touch of storytelling. This handbook is intended for use by either an experienced weaver who is seeking some additional information in Chilkat weaving, or utilized as a supplemental guide with a weaving instructor.

You will find the copy of this handbook available for sale on my “Shop and Buy” page of my website; check in with me periodically through this blog or my website.  Or better yet,  email me your email address so I may may put you on my list to send you the announcement of this book when it comes hot off the press!