Visual Sovereignty Dance

April 2-5, 2009, the C.N. Gorman Museum hosted "Visual Sovereignty: International Indigenous Photographers Gathering." The Gathering was opened with a song composed by Douglas J. Worley ( PhD student at the University of California at Davis/NAS Dept.) a song created specifically for the gathering participants. At the conclusion of the gathering the "Visual Sovereignty Song" was sung by the UCD/NAS graduate students and participants. At the gathering, my niece, Mique'l Askren (University of British Columbia, PhD Art History/ABD) presented research on B.A. Haldane an early Tsimshian photographer based in Metlakatla, AK., upon hearing the song that DJ. Worley composed she turned to me and proclaimed, "Auntie, this is the song, this is song for the B.A. Haldane dance."

August 29, 2009 Mique'l, her fiance, Micheal Dangeli, and the Git Hayetsk Dancers: People of the Copper Shield presented the "Visual Sovereignty Dance" at their Engagement Feast. It is an incredible dance full of Nax Nox (power), Mique'l not only choreographed a beautiful affirmation for B.A. Haldane but she made photography ours.

Selected witness' , Dana Claxton, Tanis S'eiltin, (Tanis' friend's name?), Skeena Reece, Jerold Blain and D.J. Worley. Special Thanks to Dana Claxton, for picking up the camera and documenting this incredible moment and to DJ Worley for creating the song.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Engagement Potlatch
• Mique'l
• Vancouver B.C
• Sovereignty

[deanthebad]

Awsome Video! i have been looking for this type of thing for a long time. Mique'l is a relative of mine and i am very proud of the things she has accomplished. And congrats on the upcoming marriage also.

[alohaalo1]

This is really fantastic, how you honored your ancestors and this artist!! I love it!

[rezzarat]

Thanks for the kind words Larry, it is amazing and inspirational witnessing the younger generation stepping up to the serious responsibilities of protocol and innovation. I will never forget the strength and love of that incredible day.