Overview
We are Still Here: Notice Wonder Feel
Author:
Maggie Peters, Yurok/Karuk Educator, Traditional Basket Weaver, Cultural Preservationist, Native American Studies Model Curriculum Learning Specialist at Humboldt County Office of Education
Lyn Risling, Karuk/Yurok/Hupa Artist, Author, Illustrator, Ceremonial Leader
Grade(s): 7
Suggested Amount of Time: 55- 60 minutes (designed for multi-period schedule typical of middle schools)
Curriculum Themes
- History
- Cultural Strengths
- Relationship to Place
- Cross Curricular Integration
Learning Goals
Observe, interpret and ask questions about art using the Notice Wonder technique.
Critically analyze new information with curiosity and express thoughts.
Identify culturally significant resources of the Karuk People.
Lesson Overview
In this lesson, students will engage with the artwork "We Are Still Here, Fix the World People" by Lyn Risling, an artist from the Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok peoples of northwestern California. The painting reflects the strong connection these Indigenous communities have with the land, culture, and their ancestors, showcasing themes of resilience, survival, and cultural identity after colonization in the 1860s.
The artwork features a vibrant background with a gradient of red to purple, reminiscent of a sunset or sunrise. In the center, there is a multigenerational family surrounded by images of ancestors in traditional "Fix the World" regalia. The family is encircled by a round border representing a river filled with dentalia shells, framed by a black and tan basket design. Other symbolic elements, like a white deer, an eagle, acorns, and a salmon, are placed in the corners, each carrying cultural significance.
This lesson uses the "Notice, Wonder, Feel" strategy to guide students through their exploration of the painting. By focusing on what they notice about the artwork, what questions arise, and how they feel in response, students will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural symbols and the powerful narrative Lyn Risling is conveying through her art.
The purpose of the lesson is not only to appreciate the aesthetic beauty of the piece but to also connect with its deeper meaning: the ongoing presence and cultural vitality of Native American communities, particularly the Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok tribes. Through this strategy, students will develop their observational and reflective thinking skills while learning about the significance of heritage, family, and resilience.
As you guide the students through the "Notice, Wonder, Feel" process, encourage them to think critically and emotionally about the painting. Provide opportunities for them to ask questions and share their feelings, helping them connect the symbolism in the artwork to broader themes of cultural survival and connection to the land. This will not only enhance their understanding of the painting itself but also foster a greater respect for Indigenous traditions and histories.
Teacher Background
Lyn Risling is an artist from the Karuk, Yurok, and Hupa peoples of northwestern California, whose work is deeply influenced by the history, traditions, and resilience of these Indigenous communities. Her art reflects her cultural identity and speaks to the enduring survival of her people, shaped by centuries of ongoing colonial violence and cultural erasure. Understanding the devastating impacts of colonialism on the Yurok, Karuk, and Hoopa Tribes is essential to fully appreciating Risling's artwork.
The Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa peoples have lived in the region for thousands of years, with a strong connection to the land, rivers, and natural resources. Their cultures were rich in traditions like basket weaving, ceremony, and storytelling. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century, particularly during the California Gold Rush, devastated these communities. The Gold Rush led to the forced displacement of tribes and widespread environmental destruction, including river pollution and deforestation. Indigenous peoples’ livelihoods, reliant on salmon, acorns, and other natural resources, were severely impacted.
The Gold Rush was only one aspect of a broader pattern of colonization that included violence, land theft, and cultural suppression. Settlers, miners, and militias sought to erase Indigenous populations through massacres, forced removals, and attempts to eliminate cultural practices. This colonization was part of a strategy to assimilate and dominate Indigenous peoples, disregarding their rights to land and spirituality.
The fur trade and timber industry also contributed to the destruction of the tribes’ way of life. Fur trappers and timber companies exploited the land, decimating wildlife and sacred forests, and further displacing Indigenous peoples. The commercial fishing industry also undermined the Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa’s rights to fish in their rivers, disrupting vital cultural practices tied to fishing for subsistence food and ceremony.
In addition to environmental and economic devastation, the tribes faced the forced erosion of their cultural practices. Boarding schools sought to erase Indigenous languages and traditions, severing connections to Native ways of life. Despite these immense challenges, the Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa peoples have shown incredible resilience. They have worked to preserve their cultures and traditions, fighting to keep their language, ceremonies, and practices alive.
Lyn Risling’s art reflects this resilience. Drawing from symbols and images rooted in her tribal heritage, her work tells the stories of survival and revitalization after centuries of colonization. Through vibrant colors and powerful cultural symbols, she connects the past, present, and future of her people, emphasizing their ongoing relationship with the land and ancestors. Risling’s art is a celebration of Indigenous resilience, healing, and the continuous presence of the Yurok, Karuk, and Hupa peoples in their ancestral lands.
Her work highlights the importance of cultural preservation and the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and land protection. By learning about Lyn Risling and the impacts of colonialism on these tribes, students can gain a deeper understanding of the enduring strength of Indigenous communities and the significance of their cultural identities.
Unit Background
This unit explores the intersection of art, culture, and language revitalization through the work of Lyn Risling, a Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok artist of northwestern California. Centered around Risling's painting We Are Still Here, Fix the World People, this unit incorporates Indigenous art and language as tools for understanding the themes of resilience, survival, and cultural identity. By engaging with these subjects, students will gain insight into the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, while also exploring how art and language serve as pathways to healing and cultural revitalization.
Exploring Lyn Risling’s Artwork
In the first lesson, students will experience the visual world of Lyn Risling’s We Are Still Here, Fix the World People. Using the "Notice, Wonder, Feel" strategy, students will reflect on the symbolism present in the painting, which features a multigenerational family surrounded by powerful symbols like animals, plants, and the river. These symbols are deeply connected to the culture and heritage of the Karuk, Hupa, and Yurok peoples, representing life, resilience, and connection to the natural world. Through this exploration, students will begin to understand the layers of meaning within Indigenous art and how it communicates themes of cultural survival and community strength. Students will reflect on their own thoughts and emotional reactions to the artwork, building foundational skills for analyzing symbolism in art and connecting it to broader themes of identity and history.
Understanding the Life and Work of Lyn Risling
The second lesson provides students with a deeper context for understanding Lyn Risling’s work. Through a short film and a reading about Risling’s life and artistic journey, students will learn how her art reflects the traditions, struggles, and resilience of Indigenous communities in northwestern California. The lesson emphasizes how Risling uses her artwork to celebrate cultural continuity and the connection between her community's past, present, and future. Students will engage in partner activities to discuss the video and biography, reinforcing their understanding of Risling’s artistic contributions and the cultural values embedded in her work.
The Impact of Colonization on Indigenous Peoples
The third lesson addresses the historical impact of colonization, particularly focusing on the Gold Rush, the timber industry, indentured servitude, and boarding schools, which significantly disrupted Indigenous communities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Students will watch the History and Hope video, which provides a powerful account of the violence, displacement, and suffering endured by Indigenous peoples during this period. Through guided discussion and reflection, students will explore the concept of genocide and its emotional and social impacts on Indigenous communities. This lesson encourages students to think critically about the legacy of colonialism and its lasting effects on Native peoples, while also fostering an understanding of the importance of advocacy for justice, healing, and cultural preservation.
Language Revitalization and Cultural Identity
In the fourth lesson, students will focus on the importance of language revitalization, specifically exploring the Karuk language. Students will learn from Karuk linguist artist and ceremonial leader, Julian Lang, as he describes Lyn Risling’s painting in the Karuk language, offering a unique opportunity to connect language to the artwork’s symbolism. This lesson emphasizes how language is essential for preserving cultural identity and worldview, especially in the face of violent colonization. Students will gain an appreciation for the role of language in healing and reclaiming cultural practices, as well as its importance in fostering resilience within Indigenous communities. The lesson highlights the vital work of language revitalization and encourages students to support efforts to preserve Indigenous languages.
Experiencing Karuk Language through Art
Building upon the previous lesson, the fifth lesson provides students with the opportunity to practice the Karuk language by engaging with Lyn Risling’s artwork. Through audio recordings and interactive activities, students will learn key Karuk words and phrases related to the components of the painting. This hands-on approach deepens students’ understanding of how language is intricately tied to cultural identity and community. By learning the language in the context of Risling’s art, students will better appreciate the connection between language, culture, and art. The lesson emphasizes the importance of language revitalization as a tool for healing and cultural continuity.
Creating Artwork Inspired by Risling’s Painting
In the final lesson, students will create their own artwork inspired by Risling’s We Are Still Here, Fix the World People. This lesson encourages students to incorporate their personal and cultural expressions into their designs, reflecting on themes of family, community, and personal interests. Drawing from the symbolism explored in the previous lessons, students will integrate symbols that hold personal or cultural significance, allowing them to express their unique connections to community and heritage. After completing their artwork, students will write an artist statement that explains the symbolism and personal reflections behind their creation.
Through this unit, students will develop a deeper understanding of the power of art, language, and culture in preserving identity and promoting healing. They will learn how Indigenous artists and communities use these tools to resist cultural erasure and continue the work of healing from historical trauma. By the end of the unit, students will have a greater appreciation for the resilience and cultural vitality of Indigenous peoples, as well as the role they play in advocating for justice, equality, and cultural preservation.