John White Series presents Aspen & Cameron Decker on "Sqelixʷ (Salish) Art & Toolmaking"
Schedule
Sun Feb 02 2025 at 02:00 pm to 04:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Northwest Montana History Museum | Kalispell, MT
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In 2024 Arlee-based knowledge keepers Aspen and Cameron Decker completed a parfleche commissioned by the Northwest Montana History Museum. From the hunting of the deer, to the preparation and stretching of its hide, then the folding and painting of the “Indian suitcase,” the Deckers practiced traditional craft in making a new object.For their presentation, the Deckers will speak about the process of making Salish art and tools, the issues that it brings up in regard to making the objects (environment, sustainability, culture), and what that reveals about the place they are in as contemporary Native American people.
Their presentation teaches holistic Indigenous understandings about native plants, and connection with the land and local ecosystems. This presentation also introduces the science behind these objects, as well as various contemporary Native American artists who influence their work.
Together, both speakers incorporate and speak Salish and Plains Sign Language associated with the making of objects during their program.
About the presenters: Aspen Decker, an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, holds a master’s degree in linguistics and a bachelor’s in tribal historic preservation, has taught Salish for more than ten years, and paints and makes art, often with husband Cameron.
Cameron Decker—a Diné, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and a descendant of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes—earned a master’s degree in fine arts and, with wife Cameron, has more than 20 years’ experience in tribal education.
To reserve your space for the series or individual talks, click the link in this listing or "Events" at that linked page--or stop by the museum.
All John White Series talks are followed by social time in Hollensteiner-Stahl Hall.
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Where is it happening?
Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 2nd St E, Kalispell, MT 59901-4994, United States,Kalispell, MontanaEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
