SYMPOSIUM – Cautionary Tales: Climate Crisis and Indigenous Arts

Brian Adams, Kivalina, Alaska: Kivalina Sea Wall, 2007. From the series Disappearing Villages. Courtesy of the artist.

Cautionary Tales: Climate Crisis & Indigenous Arts is a one-day symposium that brings Indigenous artists and advocates into conversation about the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects Native communities “first and worst.” Coastal erosion, flooding, drought, wildfires, and severe storms threaten the well-being, lands, livelihoods, and arts of Indigenous peoples, with the impact being felt right now.

This event takes place at the Museum of International Folk Art.  Admission to both the symposium and the Museum is free. Entry is first come, first served and subject to venue capacity. ASL interpretation will be provided throughout the program.

To RSVP please visit: https://cautionarytalessymposium.eventbrite.com

FULL SCHEDULE

9:00am Blessing, John Garcia (Santa Clara Pueblo)

9:20am “An exploration of memory, resistance, and creativity amid environmental flux,” Leah Mata Fragua (Yak Tityu Tityu Yak Tiłhini (Northern Chumash))

10:20am “Look Up!” and solar eclipse viewing, Tony Chavarria (Santa Clara Pueblo), Curator of Ethnology, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture
or Self-guided exploration of Ghhúunayúkata/To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka

11:00am Ethnobotany and Climate Change, Arnold Clifford (Diné)

Noon-1:30pm
*Pueblo feast-style lunch, catered by Rena Chavarria (Santa Clara Pueblo)
*Self-guided exploration of Ghhúunayúkata/To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka
*1:00pm Avan Nu Voices, a Performance Poetry Ensemble, Institute of American Indian Arts students and Sheila Rocha (Tarasco)

1:45pm “Northern Light,” poetry reading by dg nanouk okpik (Iñupiaq)

2:00pm “The Fashion & Climate Intersect,” Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer (Iñupiaq)

3:15pm Group discussion, facilitated by Jade Begay (Tesuque Pueblo/ Diné/Southern Ute), with Arnold Clifford, Leah Mata Fragua, and Qataliña Jackie Schaeffer

Cautionary Tales is organized by the Museum of International Folk Art in collaboration with the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and the School for Advanced Research, and in conjunction with the Museum of International Folk Art’s current exhibition Ghhúunayúkata/To Keep Them Warm: The Alaska Native Parka. Funding for the symposium and the exhibition Ghhúunayúkata is provided by the Terra Foundation for American Art.