Interview by Marta Tahja-Syrett
Since she was eight years old, Skokomish artist Bunni Peterson-Haitwas has dreamt about the day that she would graduate from Evergreen. She began studying here in 2017, and last year, restored the Welcome Woman alongside Makah carver Greg Colfax. Getting to see a photo of herself with the pole at this year’s virtual commencement ceremony was a moment unforgettable, with the beaming faces of loved ones surrounding her.
Since finishing the credentials for her undergraduate degree at the end of fall quarter, Peterson-Haitwas has taken on the role of Evergreen’s artist-in-residence. She knows that Evergreen’s lessons will always bring her back to her heart — a heart who understands that her pathway is in the direction of art and culture.
Can you tell me a little bit about what you’ve been working on for the Evergreen community, as our artist-in-residence?
I have been weaving baskets, both twined and coiled. I also have been designing and making various types of beadwork including rosettes, keychains, necklaces and beaded medicine bags. I also have been making miniature drums and I have painted a few small bentwood boxes — also, reaching out to different artists to do workshops, but COVID-19 has brought that to a halt.
What did you focus your studies on while you were here?
The focus of my studies were Native studies with Gary and Yvonne Peterson. I learned about the history of America and the impacts it has had on the Native Americans and their culture, resources and land — including the Indian Child Welfare Act, Freedoms of Religion Act, the studies of sovereignty, and the treaties signed with the Indian people. Reclaiming my culture and art within their program was absolutely necessary to have the freedom to study what was important to me. The Welcome Woman was the absolute biggest part of my achievements.
What are you hoping to go out into the world and do as a graduate?
I hope to give back to my community all that I have learned. Also, I want to continue my education to either the MPA program, or the MFA program at Evergreen when it’s implemented. I would love to either become a teacher in a college setting — I would love to teach at Evergreen — or have a director’s position in my tribe.
Imagine yourself five years from now, looking back on your life. What experiences or lessons from Evergreen will still be with you?
In five years from now, the biggest lesson I will remember is to follow my heart. If I had followed the path I thought was the right choice, I would not have had the opportunity to do the restoration work on the Welcome Woman. When I first enrolled I was so focused on science, I never would have imagined that I would have had a big hand in the work to make her shine. In a lot of ways, I was her, weary and worn down. But because I listened to my heart and spoke up about restoring her, I was able to do my absolute best work. I will remember the lessons Greg Colfax taught me, and how he taught me. He didn’t just say “here, do this,” he always approached the work with asking me how would I do it. I will always remember what wonderful teachers I had and how blessed I was to be able to learn from Yvonne and Gary Peterson, Gail Tremblay and Greg Colfax.
Is there anything that you would change about Evergreen, or about your time here?
I enjoyed my time at Evergreen. I wish that I could have attended before 2017, but it wasn’t my path. I wish the enrollment would not have been on a decline while I attended. All in all, I had a wonderful experience as a student at Evergreen and have enjoyed all the wonderful opportunities I have had, such as my internship at the Longhouse and my position as artist-in-residence.
How does it feel to be graduating at this point in time, with the United States erupting into powerful protests, and COVID-19 now a part of our lives?
I’m sad that I didn’t walk last year, but I was carving on the Welcome Woman. I wish that COVID-19 was not a factor in my life while I was supposed to walk the stage, which I have dreamt of since my dad walked when I was eight. I feel sad that riots have to happen for voices to be heard, but I am glad people are taking a stand against the atrocities that happen to the minorities of our society. I believe that we should all be treated equal and not be in fear because we are different. I am praying for change, and for a cure for both the virus and racism.
