ANNOUNCING AN UPCOMING SYMPOSIUM, CALL FOR PAPERS AND TOTEM POLE MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP:

POLES, POSTS AND CANOES: THE PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION AND CONTINUATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN MONUMENTAL WOOD CARVING.

JULY 21ST – 22ND, 2014, HIBULB CULTURAL CENTER AND NATURAL HISTORY PRESERVE, TULALIP, WASHINGTON (OPENING CEREMONY AND DINNER, JULY 20TH, 2014) 

This two day symposium (preceded by an opening ceremony and meal on the evening of July 20th) will gather Native and non-Native museum professionals, tribal members, and contemporary Native carvers to discuss the challenges of preserving and exhibiting historic monumental wood carvings from both a Native and Non-Native view point. It will also serve to connect Native carvers and the museum community in the hope that the resulting dialogue will help support the continued development of this traditional art form. The format of this gathering is aimed at encouraging discussion, so presentations will be relaxed and brief, and an equal amount of time will be scheduled for general discussion of the topics addressed. 

Registration will open January 21st, 2014, and a provisional program will be available at that time.


Call for Papers

The meeting is heavily focused on inclusive discussions amongst participants, therefore we are seeking short presentations (10 – 15 minutes maximum) that encourage constructive dialog. While technical papers are welcome, we ask that presenters keep in mind the broad background of the expected attendees. The event will be recorded and the proceedings published.

Proposals for presentations on the following topics are invited:
•The history behind the past care of poles, posts, canoes and similar large Native carvings held in conventional museum settings.
•The care of these objects in Native museums and communities from the Native perspective.
•What types of large artifact conservation treatments and care work best in Native and non-Native museums? 
•The importance and relevance of these objects for the personal visions of the Native carver.
•The potential use of traditional methods and materials in the preservation of existing objects in collections.
•How can conservators, custodians and Native carvers bridge the communication gap and support each other's work?
•How can a balance be struck between technical and non-technical methodologies?
•How can we define a range of "best practices" in Native museum collections regarding treatments, storage, moving and mounting techniques for this material?

Information to be included in your proposal:
•Presentation proposal should be not more than 250 words.
•Please include a 100 word summary that will be posted on the conference website, should your paper be accepted.
•Provide your name, occupation/institution and contact information, including e-mail address.
•Indicate the format of your presentation - PowerPoint, presentation from written notes, etc.

Deadline for submission: February 3rd, 2014.

Please submit proposals to: J. Claire Dean at [log in to unmask] (include “PPC paper proposal” in the subject line). You will be notified by e-mail whether or not your paper has been accepted by February 28th, 2014.


Caring for Totem Poles Workshop

JULY 23RD – 25TH, 2014, HIBULB CULTURAL CENTER AND NATURAL HISTORY PRESERVE, TULALIP, WASHINGTON.

Immediately following the Poles, Posts and Canoes conference there will be a three day workshop on the care and maintenance of totem poles. This hands-on event will explore both traditional and museum-based approaches to the upkeep of these objects and is aimed at individuals directly involved in the preservation of totem poles. The workshop, led by Michael Harrington, Andrew Todd and Felix Solomon, with input from other carvers and conservators, will take place at the Hibulb Cultural Center. It will build on the success of previous workshops hosted by First Nation communities in Canada and held in 2008 in Skidegate, October 2009 in Alert Bay, British Columbia, and in October 2010 in Kitselas, British Columbia. Due to the hands-on and practical nature of this event, the number of attendees will be limited. If the event is oversubscribed a waiting list will be created. The registration fee is $350 and includes a light breakfast and lunch each day. Details of the workshop program are available on request from [log in to unmask]

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