Salish art and toolmaking the focus of John White series speakers

Aspen and Cameron Decker present “Our Belongings: Sqelixʷ (Salish) Art and Toolmaking” on Feb. 2 as part of the John White series at the Northwest Montana History Museum in Kalispell.   

Aspen is an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, holds a master’s degree in linguistics and a bachelor’s in tribal historic preservation, has taught Salish for more than 10 years, and paints and makes art. Cameron — a Diné, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and a descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes — earned a master’s degree in fine arts and, with his wife, has more than 20 years’ experience in tribal education.  

For their presentation, the Deckers will speak about the process of making Salish art and tools, the issues that it brings up in regard to making the objects (environment, sustainability, culture), and what that reveals about the place they are in as contemporary Native American people. Their presentation teaches holistic Indigenous understandings about native plants, and connection with the land and local ecosystems.   

This presentation also introduces the science behind these objects, as well as various contemporary Native American artists who influenced their work. Together, both speakers incorporate and speak Salish and Plains Sign Language associated with the making of objects during their program. 

The presentation starts at 2 p.m. and a social time will be held afterward.  

For 23 years, the museum has organized presentations on many facets of Montana history as part of the series which pays tribute to beloved former staff members John Whites Sr. and Jr. of Central School. The series serves as a fundraiser for the museum and its mission to preserve and present regional history.  

Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for nonmembers and may be purchased online at https://flatheadtickets.com, at the museum on 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, or by calling 756-8381.