PHASE 1: Thanks to a grant from the Seventh Generation Fund and support from the Ink People Center for the Arts and Center for Indian Community Development we are so happy to be premiering the first of THREE videos about some of the local artists from the Northern California area. The first video featured is for artist Marlette Grant- Jackson. You can view the video to the left. Featured artists for these videos include: SuWorhrom David Baldy, Kateri Masten, Marlette Grant-Jackson and David Mata.

PHASE 2: The second phase of this project is the hosting and recording of an educational symposium that will explore the influence and importance of Native American art by convening a panel of educators, artists and community members. From this discussion symposium we hope to build a network of artists, community members and academics that can work together to address the many challenging issues facing artists as they pursue their livelihoods. (Anticipated date of the symposium is Spring 2012)

The Native Women's Collective is working as a fiscal sponsor for Wren Usdi Productions on the "Uneasy Remains" Film Project. The Uneasy Remains Film Project and Research Interest Group examines the history of studying and collecting Indigenous human remains at UC Davis and how this history has been informed by the federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The film also queries the gendered dynamics of this history as it relates to academic research and the representations of Indigenous bodies. the project represents a collaborative effort of local tribes, community members, and students in multiple disciplines and departments at UC Davis. It brings these groups into dialogue on this complex issue and aims to promote interdisciplinary educational opportunities for students interested in learning more about the history of the study of Indigenous human remains and repatriation movements. the project will result in a feature length film, curriculum materials, and an archive database of research materials for use by tribes, schools, and other organizations. Although the project examines UC Davis as a case study for these issues, this dialogue has implications for museums and Native groups throughout the nation and globe, as access to human remains and repatriation movements represent a significant node in the ongoing conversation regarding the human rights struggles of Indigenous peoples. So far the Uneasy Remains Research Interest Group includes a network of 25 students and the support of several faculty members. Currently, the project is supported by the UC Davis Consortium for Women and Research, the Yocha Dehe Endowed Chair in Native American Studies, and the Native Women's Collective. For more information, please email uneasyremains@gmail.com.

The Native Women's Collective provided assistance to the Trinidad Rancheria Yurok Language Basket Class. Instruction in beginning basket weaving conducted entirely in the Yurok Language.

A big thank you to the Me'Dil Institute, instructor Mary Jane Risling, Coordinator Lois Jane Risling and of course all of the participants who attended our first Bear Grass Braiding workshop on November 1, 2009. We were so glad that a number of people showed up, some first time braiders and some experienced braiders.

The workshop began with a presentation by Me'Dil Institute Executive Director Mary Jane Risling who was kind enough to pass along informational flyers about gathering bear grass, caring for bear grass and finally selecting and weaving bear grass.  Even those who have woven countless times before were in awe of Ms. Risling's precision and technique. She is truly a master in Native Women's Arts.

Workshop participants spent the afternoon braiding.  As you can see from the pictures we made all difference sizes of braids and managed to get quite a few finished while we sat and talked with each other about future projects and collaboration ideas.

We were also treated to homemade soup and cornbread courtesy of Ms. Lois Jane Risling. And a special thanks to Marlette Grant-Jackson for bringing along her tips and expertise as well. It was great to see everyone and we hope to see you (and many others) at our future workshops.

Braids made at this workshop will be used as part of the Native Women's Collective fundraising booth at the United Indian Health Services Arts & Crafts Show.  See them there! December 5, 2009 @ UIHS.

We had our first annual (yep, even though we were dead tired by the end of the day we decided to make it an annual thing) Yard Sale Fundraiser and it was a resounding success.  Saturday October 24 we gathered at 1166 H Street in Arcata with a whole lot of stuff and a whole lot of people came to buy it.  We were non stop packed throughout the day (it started as we were UNLOADING and didn't stop all day) and we managed to sell our big ticket and smaller ticket items.

We were also amazed, however, that even after selling and selling and selling some more that we still had so much stuff left! We couldn't figure out what to do with the leftovers until we came up with the bright idea to have a closeout yard sale giveaway! That's right, Sunday we gave the rest away FOR FREE (although we were accepting donations).  We were touched that so many people thanked US for having these things available for free. One person even told us "you've helped out so many families today by giving this stuff away." And even though we were we still managed to make some money from donations.

All in all we were able to raise more then enough money for our start up costs and filing fee. And we are happy to report that we will be reinvesting that money to continue with our fundraising efforts.  Look for us December 6, 2009 at the UIHS Arts & Crafts Fair! We're getting together a "collective" of handmade artistic pieces to sell. BE THERE (and bring money!).

The Native Women's Collective, along with the Me'Dil (Maintaining, Enhancing and Defending Indigenous Living) Institute participated in a bear grass picking day. The traditional gathering of bear grass is an important tradition to native people's of California. Bear grass is used for all types of projects and is an easily collectible and storable material. Materials gathered during this outing will be used during a bear grass workshop sponsored by the NWC. Date: November 1, 2009 at the Me'Dil Institute. Visit our Calendar for more information.