06/07/2026
Today was the big reveal! For the past year I have been working on a project that encompasses some of the most important work I have done to date. When I was approached about this project, to build a marine debris art installation for National Parks at Sunset Beach on the historic Lewis and Clark Fort to Sea Trail, I knew I had to use this opportunity to bring much needed visibility and representation to the original caretakers whose homelands this work would be placed.
Too often native people are referred to in the past tense, however we are still here, speaking our languages and practicing our cultures and traditions. That point was made very apparent during the early development stages of this project and validated my decision to pursue bringing visibility to north coast tribes. The first draft of the wayside signage that was to accompany the sculptures showed native people living along the rivers edge pre colonial contact. In the signage that depicted modern times, there were no native people, as if they no longer existed. I spoke up, pointing out that fact, and the signs were then reworked to reflect native people participating in cultural activities in the context of modern day life. If you look closely, you will see those small but significant details. A much needed step towards normalizing indigenous people within the here and now.
I am very grateful that the Chinook Nation agreed to partner with me on this project, and honored that Tony Johnson, artist and Chairman of the Chinook Nation, entrusted me with his designs and to accurately represent Chinookan art and culture. Many people and organizations came together to make this project possible: NOAA’s marine debris program, National Parks, Oregon State Parks, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and many others. I am grateful for the freedom they gave me to follow my heart with this project and their trust in my vision. This project has truly embodied what we Cherokee call Gadugi, one of our core community values that essentially means working together for the greater good of all. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and hope that this work inspires all who encounter it to become better caretakers of Mother Earth. May the people remember their promise to the salmon, as the salmon continue to remember and uphold their promise to the people. Wado
