‘E Ala E,´ 2021. Acrylics on canvas. 18 ft X 18 ft. Currently touring.
How can humans build the capacity to understand that we are all interconnected?
About 150 people shared customs, rituals, practices, and ideas about our sense of connection with the world.
Last spring and summer, a 24-foot totem pole—carved by Master Carver Jewell James of the Lummi Nation around seven shared visions—traveled over 20,000 miles across the United States as part of the Red Road to DC journey.
The journey called attention to the protection of Native American sacred sites, lands, and waters. Beginning in Bellingham, Washington, and concluding at the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC, the totem pole and its message were welcomed by communities along the way and formally received by the former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
At each stop, participants joined a creative engagement process, contributing to a 16-by-16-foot commemorative mural. Hundreds of people took part, using visual language to share perspectives on connection, heritage, nature, and collective responsibility.
The mural reflects a wide range of customs, practices, beliefs, and imagery rooted in personal and cultural experience. It offered a hopeful and creative space to reflect on complex realities—and the capacity to act from shared purpose and understanding.
“E, Ala, E! Each rising of the sun gives us an opportunity to make better decisions, to do what is right for our people and to do what is right for our land.” —Anela Gutierrez, Hawaiian
Artistic Support & Facilitator (Volunteer): Dirrion Montgomery
Social Artist Lead & Facilitator (Volunteer): Melanie Schambach
Project Manager: Phreddie Lane
Partner Organizations: House of Tears Carvers, Se’Si’Le
Funded by: private donations
