People looking at an exhibition at the Whatcom Museum

People of the Sea and Cedar

Lightcatcher Building

 

REOPENING FEBRUARY 2, 2024

 

“ln our tradition, our way of life, everything is a living thing.”

– George Swanaset, Sr., Master Carver and Teacher, Nooksack Indian Tribe

With help from valued advisors and guides, the Whatcom Museum reintroduces People of the Sea and Cedar, a permanent exhibition centering the voices and experiences of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe.

Through first-person storytelling, photography, art, and artifacts, People of the Sea and Cedar presents both historical and contemporary perspectives about the Indigenous communities that have lived in, cared for, and contributed to this region since time immemorial. The gallery explores Tribal traditions, cultural preservation, fights for recognition and equity, environmental stewardship, and artistic and political contributions.

Visitors will also see works by some of today’s influential Indigenous artists, such as Dan Friday, Louie Gong, Jason LaClair, Marvin Oliver, and Susan Point, as well as Salish story poles, created by Master Carvers Morrie Alexander and Dale James in the 1970s and restored in 2022 by Conservators and Master Carvers Felix M. Solomon and Goo’la Slacoon Ralph Bennett.

We sincerely thank members of the museum’s Indigenous Advisory Committee for sharing their time, knowledge, concerns, and hopes for an exhibition that honors Coast Salish history and cultures.

In addition to the guidance of the Whatcom Museum’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, People of the Sea and Cedar is also made possible by generous grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Humanities Washington, as well as input, audio recordings, and videography from Children of the Setting Sun Productions.


The Whatcom Museum acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Lhaq’temish – Lummi People – and the Nuxwsá7aq – Nooksack People – who have lived in the Coast Salish region from time immemorial. The Museum honors our relationship with all of our Coast Salish neighbors and our shared responsibilities to their homeland where we all reside today.

 

National Endowment for the Humanities logo

Humanities Washington logo