2008 Community Spirit Artists

Frank Dominguez

Santa Ynez Band of Chumash, California
Contemporary Arts: Mixed Media/Installation

“Frank Dominguez is truly committed to perpetuating the cultural values and lifeways of our Samala Chumash people. By utilizing the gifts bestowed upon him by the Creator, Frank serves our community by working with youth and adults to ensure that our cultural legacy lives on. He is a traditionally grounded father, visual artist, musician, culture bearer, linguist, and educator. In an increasingly complex world, people like Frank are beacons of light that show us the way to a strong and sustainable future as Native people.” - Niki Sandoval, nominator

Margaret Hill

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota
Traditional Arts: Birchbark/Sweetgrass

“Margaret is the very essence of carrying the old style of craftwork from the beginning of the last century into the new millennium and working to ensure that these things are passed along to all people in our community that want to learn.”

“Very casually and unexpectedly, her teachings of sacredness and value come out in her words and actions in the making of different object. She may be racing out a pattern on Birch Bark and talking about keeping the edges off of the knots in the bark and she will go into a story about the Old People saying that the Bark should be ready for peeling when the Popple leaves are as big as Bearers ears. It is stories and comments like this that make her classes special to be involved in. You know you are always going to come away with more than just the knowledge of how to make an item.” - Sandra Blake, nominator

Marietta King

Blackfeet, Montana
Visual Arts: Oil and Pastel

“Blackfeet belief has it that if a spiritual being is painted, drawn or what have you, then it attracts that spiritual being in that place. Because of Mari’s character and personality, her paintings that bring to life visionary beings are a blessing wherever they may be displayed.”

“If the purpose of life for all of us is one of loving and sharing, support and service, then Mari’s purpose is seen in her contributions to the Blackfeet Nation and Native America.” - Wilbert J. Fish Sr., nominator

Jeannette "Molly" Parker

Passamaquoddy, Maine
Traditional Arts: Ash & Sweetgrass Basketry

“When I hold a basket of someone who has gone before, I am holding part of them and it is a link to the future and all the hands that will hold it. Art is both a way of healing by learning the discipline of basket making while being a means of expression.” – Molly Parker

“Molly is a natural leader in the resurgence of Wabanaki basketry in Maine. She has continued to make and teach traditional and contemporary styles of basketry, during times when virtually no one else was doing so. Molly is a prolific basketmaker and has strong beliefs in teaching and encouraging all aspects of the artistic practice – from the processing of the ash, to preparing sweetgrass, dying of materials and the actual weaving to be done properly and with pride.” – Teresa Secord, nominator