Pauline Hillaire

Pauline Hillaire is a performer, historian, storyteller and genealogist. She belongs to the Lummi Nation. She was awarded the Washington Governor’s Heritage Award in 2004, and is a member of the Seattle Folk Life Council and the Setting Sun Dance Group. She published a book titled Indian Policy: Crime or Reason in 1973, based on government documents. She has been videotaped by various organizations such as the Samish Tribe, the Library at the University of Washington and the Bellingham Centennial. Hillaire is the recipient of a 2011 Native Arts Grants from Potlatch Fund.

Pauline’s 2011 GAP project uses performance art and multimedia to engage viewers with the art of carving. Hillaire has created a history of the totem poles of her father, master carver Joe Hillaire (1894-1967). The components of the project are an illustrated book, a video, and an audio CD. University of Nebraska Press plans to publish the book and to market the media companion. The GAP will support post-production and manufacture of 1000 DVD/CDs to accompany the book.

Artist’s Addenda: Pauline was a recipient of a 2013 NEA National Heritage Fellowship.