Press Release, Cathy Cochrane, ArtsWA, Communications Manager
Olympia – Johnny Moses, of Tulalip, has been named as one of seven recipients of the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. Recipients were honored at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 15. The awards recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the arts and cultural traditions of Washington state.
Mr. Moses, a Native American traditional singer and storyteller, speaks eight Native languages and travels extensively to share his culture. He was raised in the remote Nuu-chah-nulth village of Ohiat on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. His grandparents taught him the traditional ways, and his elders sent him to share their teachings with all people. Mr. Moses’ traditional name is Whis.stem.men.knee (Walking Medicine Robe).
The Washington State Arts Commission, ArtsWA, facilitated the nomination and selection process for the Governor’s awards. The awards were established in 1966 by Governor Dan Evans. In recent years, they were temporarily suspended due to budget cuts.
“We are so pleased to reinstate the awards this year,” said Kris Tucker, Executive Director of ArtsWA. “Johnny Moses has incredible skill as a storyteller and a wealth of irreplaceable information about the Northwest’s Native cultures. Recognizing and honoring his contributions to the heritage of Washington state affirms that traditions of the past are vitally important to the cultural legacy we leave to future generations.”
First Gentleman Mike Gregoire and Kris Tucker presented the awards, which were acid-etched, translucent glass bowls by glass artists Jeremy Newman and Allison Ciancibelli, commissioned through Vetri Glass Studio, in Seattle.
Others receiving the Governor’s Heritage Award:
- Bailadores de Bronce, Seattle, a volunteer group that teaches and performs Mexican folkloric dances
- Heritage University, Toppenish, provides strong art and cultural education programs for multicultural populations that are geographically and educationally isolated
- Maurice Rouman, Everett, Egyptian oud player and composer, nominated for the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award. (The oud is a stringed instrument resembling the lute.)
Receiving the Governor’s Arts Award:
- Lucia Perillo, Olympia, Pulitzer Prize finalist and MacArthur fellow in poetry
- Robert Maki, Kingston, sculptor and public art advocate
- Book-It Repertory Theatre, Seattle, which creates great theater from great literature
For more information about ArtsWA programs and the Governor’s Arts and Heritage Awards, go to www.arts.wa.gov
