“Art is not separate from life for many indigenous people. It’s as essential as food and water in many ways.” Tracy Rector.

On January 7th, Tracy Rector (Choctaw/Seminole) opened her first gallery art show “You Are on Indigenous Land” at the Core Gallery in Seattle. The show featured works from an impressive collection of local Native artists with works by Shaun Peterson, Cheyenne Randall, Joe ‘wahalatsu?’ Seymour, and Jeffrey Veregge.

Tracy’s influence for the show came through her participation in Seattle’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration planning committee. She, along with photographer Mel Ponder, decided to take portraits of local Native peoples on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Through the project she realized that one of the biggest sources of pride for having an Indigenous Peoples’ Day was simply letting the world know that we are still here, that we still exist.

In addition to the collection of works, “You Are on Indigenous Land” has featured the work of traditional Tlingit tattoo artist Nahaan.

You Are on Indigenous Land will be at CORE Gallery through January 30. Continuing events include in-gallery residencies by artist/weaver Joe ‘wahalatsu?’ Seymour and Tlingit tattoo artist Nahaan, who will host an indigenous tattoo revival on Friday, January 22. The show will have its closing reception on January 29th with an event featuring Joe ‘wahalatsu?’ Seymour, and Jeffrey Veregge.

“Spirit Guardian of the Songs” by Joe Seymour

The Leader, by Shaun Peterson.

Jeffrey Veregge

Nahaan

Cheyenne Randall

Indigenous Peoples’ Day resolution author Matt Remle at Mel Ponder photo exhibit “You Are on Indigenous Land”