Art for Stoney -- Rising against police violence
Donations provide direct support for young indigenous folks and youth of color working on projects including digital media, carving/sculpture, and community murals. Funds will be disbursed by the Justice for Stoney Coalition in coordination with leadership from the Chiefstick children. Stonechild Chiefstick, their father, was murdered by Poulsbo Police last year.
The community of family and friends surrounding Stonechild Chiefstick are fighting to recover from the recurring assaults of victim-blaming news coverage, sham investigations, and political cover that continues to dehumanize and caricature a beloved native father. This fundraiser directly supports leadership by the the Chiefstick children in Western Washington in affinity with Stoney's incredible network that stretches to the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree lands in Montana and beyond.
A growing fellowship of bold activist artists from across Turtle Island have stepped up as mentors and allies to this project. They include Toma Villa (Yakama/ based in Suquamish, WA), Jeffrey Verrege (S'klallam, Duwamish/ Bremerton, WA), Tessa Hulls (Port Townsend, WA), Justin Crawford (Chimacum, WA), Chanel Matsunami-Govreau -aka- Queen Gidrea (NYC), and Cesar Maxit (DC).
Art and representation takes on a strong spiritual dimension within Stonechild Chiefstick's family and community. The work of honoring Stoney's full humanity is the work of recovering from trauma and breaking the cycle of colonial racism. You can learn more about the campaign below and check out the 2 videos.
Stoney was a proud enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy Montana and some of the artwork being developed for this campaign is influenced by 'Ledger Art' and other styles traditional to Stoney's ancestors. Stoney's heritage also links him to the Cowichan people from the maritime region of so-called British Columbia.
In-kind donations, subscriptions, and gift cards are also encouraged.
Questions or to discuss in-kind donations: stoneyart (a) nym.hush.com
>> More about Justice for Stoney <<
>> Artists & arts organizations interested in endorsing or creating work that honors Stoney: [email redacted]h.com <<
>> This campaign stands in Solidarity with the Movement for Black Lives in seeking justice and honoring the memory of Manuel Ellis (Tacoma, WA), George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, their loved ones, and all victims of police violence. <<
VIDEO: Beats Lyrics Leaders Presents: Rez Life with the Suquamish Tribe featuring Stonechild Jr., Kane, and Alana Chiefstick.
VIDEO: Here's a past collaborative mural project by Toma Villa and the students at Chief Kitsap Academy in Suquamish. This mural reflects local indigenous culture and ecology in the community where Stoney spent his last days.
