“A TOTEM POLE HISTORY:
THE WORK OF LUMMI CARVER JOE HILLAIRE”
By Pauline Hillaire Edited by Gregory P. Fields
(University of Nebraska Press, December 2013)
Recent National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Honoree, Pauline Hillaire, Scälla–Of the Killer Whale, tradition-bearer for the Lummi People, has compiled a book about her father Joe Hillaire and Coast Salish traditions titled “A Totem Pole History: The Work of Lummi Carver Joe Hillaire”. Joseph Hillaire is recognized as one of the great Coast Salish artists, carvers, and tradition-bearers of the early twentieth century. In “A Totem Pole History”, Scälla, who is herself a well-known Coast Salish cultural historian and conservator, tells the story of her father’s life and about the traditional and contemporary Lummi narratives that inf1uenced his work.
“A Totem Pole History” contains seventy-six photographs, including Joe’s most significant totem poles. Scälla conveys with great insight the stories, teachings, and history expressed by her father’s totem poles.
Eight contributors provide essays on Coast Salish art and carving, adding to the author’s portrayal of Joe’s philosophy of art in Salish life, particularly in the context of twentieth century intercultural relations.
This engaging volume provides an historical record to encourage Native artists and brings the work of a respected Salish carver to the attention of a broader audience.
The companion media, Coast Salish Totem Poles, includes:
● 2 CD’s featuring Pauline Hillaire telling traditional stories associated with totem poles and Joe Hillaire singing Lummi songs.
●A DVD that features Pauline showing viewers how to interpret the stories and history expressed in Joe’s totem poles.
Lummi Carver and Smithsonian 2012 Featured Artist for the Living Earth Festival, Felix Solomon and NW Coast Native artist and pigment specialist Melonie Ancheta along with Editor Gregory Fields will talk about Coast Salish art history and artistic traditions. Traditional Lummi dancers, Children of the Setting Sun will perform and members of Pauline Hillaire’s family will read from the book.
SCHEDULE: December 3-6, 2013
Books along with companion media will be available for sale at each venue.
Tues. December 3 3PM
The Evergreen State College 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW Seminar Bldg. 2, C 1105 Olympia, WA
Wed. Dec. 4 1PM
Duwamish Longhouse 4705 W. Marginal Way SW Seattle, WA
Wed. Dec. 4 7PM
Burke Museum
University of Washington 17 Ave NE and NE 45th St, Seattle, WA
The Burke Room
Thurs. Dec. 5 Noon
Suquamish Museum 6861 NE South Street Suquamish, WA
Thurs Dec. 5 7PM
Village Books 1200 11th Street
Bellingham, WA
Fri. Dec. 6 3PM
Western Washington University 516 High St.
Bellingham, WA
Wilson Library,
Reading Room, 4th floor
Fri. Dec 6 7PM
Whatcom Museum 250 Flora St. Bellingham WA Lightcatcher Museum Upstairs Studio