THE FIRST RESIDENCE
The Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena’s first-ever artist residency
An official presenting partner of Climate Pledge Arena and the Seattle Kraken, Smartsheet centers Indigenous art and ecological knowledge through the lens of internationally acclaimed photographer, Matika Wilbur. During the First Residence, Matika, a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes, transforms a section of a world-class arena into an interactive exhibition, placing the human into the world of the Salmon.
Meet the artist Learn about our partnership
Matika Wilbur
(Swinomish and Tulalip)
Matika Wilbur is the co-host of the All My Relations podcast and is the founder and photographer of Project 562, a national photography project focused on highlighting over 562 federally recognized tribes, and journeying more than 400,000 miles in pursuit of one goal — to change the way we see Native America. Her highly anticipated book, “Project 562: Changing The Way We See Native America” will be on shelves in spring 2023.
Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip)
Matika Wilbur is the co-host of the All My Relations podcast and is the founder and photographer of Project 562, a national photography project focused on highlighting over 562 federally recognized tribes, and journeying more than 400,000 miles in pursuit of one goal — to change the way we see Native America. Her highly anticipated book, “Project 562: Changing The Way We See Native America” will be on shelves in spring 2023.
Where you can find the interactive exhibit
Interact with Matika Wilbur’s installation at the northeast corner of LL2 Main Concourse.
The First Residence’s first exhibition: The Salmon People
“The Salmon People" is an interactive installation curated by Matika Wilbur at Climate Pledge Arena that immerses the audience in the world of the Salmon. For thousands of years the Coast Salish people of the Pacific Northwest have organized their lives around the management and return of the Salmon People, who are considered relatives. "The Salmon People" urges onlookers to consider the human impacts on Salmon habitat and climate change.
Follow and donate to these organizations that work to preserve and protect Salmon and their habitats.
Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
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An immersive world
In collaboration with renowned Puyallup artist Shaun Peterson, Matika merges the tradition of Coast Salish art practice with illustrations, video, regalia, projection mapping, and motion tracking to create a playful underwater world in which Salmon appear to follow people as they walk by.
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Coast Salish design elements
Matika and Shaun conceptualized depictions of Salmon using Coast Salish design elements. The Salmon People personify abundance, renewal, and generosity for Coast Salish Natives, and these teachings inspire and shape meaningful cultural values.
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Three blankets sewn in three days
In collaboration with Ervanna Little Eagle (Warm Springs), Matika appliquéd the Salmon designs onto blankets for Suquamish Salmon Dancers Kate Ahvakana, Barb Santos, and Katelynn Pratt to wear as they reaffirm their commitment to honoring the life of the Salmon through a song of recognition.
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How can we be better stewards of Salmon?
Exponential population growth and urbanization have diminished healthy habitats for the Salmon People, with whom Coast Salish Natives have thrived in reciprocity for generations. Matika’s installation invites us to consider how we can be better stewards of Salmon to create a world that upholds the continuity of the Salmon People.
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It takes a village
"The Salmon People" is an interactive collaborative installation, curated by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish & Tulalip), in collaboration with Shaun Peterson (Puyallup), Very Suspicious Projects, Ervanna Little Eagle (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), Tahoma Peak Solutions, The Suquamish Tribe’s Chief Kitsap Academy, and Smartsheet, to immerse the audience in the world of the Salmon.
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About Shaun Peterson (Puyallup)
Shaun Peterson, or Qwalsius, is a pivotal figure in the revitalization of Coast Salish art traditions. He is a member of the Puyallup Tribe, and he says his work has been shaped by, “a combination of his late maternal grandmother, Jane Wright, supporting his work and connecting him with his ancestry at an early age.” Peterson has worked in wood, glass, metal, and digital media, embracing historical and contemporary influences. His newest work includes figures entitled “Family” for the new Seattle Waterfront, coming summer of 2023, and a sculpture for Kobe, Japan. This collaboration with Matika Wilbur is part of an ambitious journey of the Salmon People.
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About Tahoma Peak Solutions
Tahoma Peak Solutions is co-founded by Valerie Segrest from the Muckleshoot Tribe, who alongside her colleague Savanna Romero of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe supported the communications assets and storytelling of "The Salmon People." This firm of women is committed to empowering and lifting up communities in Indian Country through strategic communications and food sovereignty initiatives.
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About Very Suspicious Projects
Very Suspicious Projects (VSUS) is a creative technology and installation design studio based in Seattle. VSUS specializes in combining digital and physical mediums to create immersive experiences that encourage emotion, conversation, and foster community. Practicing technical design right alongside creative mischief has earned VSUS industry awards and international recognition.
Discuss the artwork with the Smartsheet Community
We’re endlessly awed by our Community members’ insight on and off the platform. Matika’s installation invites us to consider how we can be better stewards of Salmon, and we’re bringing the conversation to the Smartsheet Community. Reflect on the artwork in the Smartsheet Community to be entered to win a copy of “Project 562,” or pre-order the book.
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