Help Jewell James upgrade the Carving Studio

This campaign has been co-created with Master Carver Jewell James. Every penny raised goes directly to Jewell to support the powerful vision he continues to mold through his art and commitment to Indigenous rights, Indigenous sovereignty, social and environmental justice. If the work of Jewell and the House of Tears Carvers has ever touched you or made an impression on your life and actions, we ask now that you consider a contribution to this artist who has given so much over the years through his vision and work. There is a real need expressed in this campaign, one that will support Jewell in his future carvings and ensure the viability of future totem pole journeys.

To hear Jewell in his own words, please watch the linked video for this fundraiser. There, he shares his humble request for financial support for upgrades to his carving studio so that he can design, carve and paint these totem poles securely and sustainably. The carving shop needs some serious upgrades to bring dedicated electricity in, to expand the flooring and workspace and to control the climate so that these carvings can more easily be brought into being and shared with the world.

Anyone who knows Jewell knows the humility and selflessness he carries into his work. We know that he is loathed to ask for support or recognition. Our hope is that those who his generosity, creativity and wisdom have touched will consider closing the circle so that reciprocity and kindness will ensure that the Totem Pole Journeys continue. Your donation to Jewell and the House of Tears will do just that, each and every penny.

Thank you for your contribution. Please look forward to updates on the campaign and more information on coming carvings and journeys from Jewell James and the House of Tears Carvers.

For those who don’t know Jewell:

For several decades, Master Carver Jewell James and the House of Tears Carvers of Lummi Nation have carved beautiful and powerful totem poles to share with people near and far. Dozens upon dozens of these poles have been created and gifted to communities to support and amplify their voices and needs. With an artistic vision inspired by dreams, Jewell and his family have used the carving and painting of these poles to bring people together in shared spirit and common cause.

The Totem Pole Journeys that began over 20 years ago as a way to heal the nation after the terrorist attacks of 9/11 have continued to inspire engagement and action. These frequent journeys remain a powerful and collective way to shine a light on important campaigns to protect Indigenous rights and sovereignty and draw attention to social, environmental and cultural movements.

Stopping in towns and cities along the way for blessing ceremonies, the totem pole journeys are a beacon that draws people together to create a space to renew old bonds, forge new relationships and work together in collective strength and healing. Over the years, tens of thousands of participants have gathered in towns across the US and Canada for blessing ceremonies on these journeys. Hundreds of thousands more have read about them or watched them in the media.

The three 9/11 journeys saw poles erected in healing ceremonies in DC, NY and Pennsylvania. Poles have been created for the National Library of Indigenous Medicine, given to Indigenous communities combating fossil fuel projects on their lands in the US and Canada, and used to campaign for the liberation of Sk'aliCh'elh-tenaut, the captive Orca whale who was stolen from her Salish Sea family over four decades ago. The journey has traveled to support Indigenous governments and communities for over 20 years in places like Standing Rock, White Earth, Bears Ears, Chaco Canyon and dozens of other sacred places to stand up for tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Throughout each of these journeys, Jewell has sought to increase awareness and collective action in much-needed campaigns to heal, protect, connect and restore that which we hold sacred.

We ask that you consider this ongoing legacy of creative campaigning and contribute to ensuring that the Jewell and the House of Tears can continue this impactful work and community-building well into the future. Hy'shqe. Thank you for your generosity.

About me:

My name is Matt Fuller (he/him). I am a settler-American with Irish/German/Swedish roots who has lived my whole life in the traditional lands of the Coast Salish Peoples. I have been friends with Master Carver Jewell James for seven years and have worked with him on the Totem Pole Journeys since 2016. We have traveled thousands of miles together over the years, with me helping on his team to bring the story of his poles to communities across the many corners of the continent. Whether at a blessing ceremony in Vancouver, BC or Miami, Florida, Winnipeg or Los Angeles, I have seen firsthand the power of Jewell's vision to bring communities together and inspire collective action around Indigenous rights, social justice and environmental justice. I understand the sacrifices he has made as an artist and an organizer, as a person who dedicates his life to sharing his work with others. Over breakfast in Bellingham a while ago, he shared with me what was needed for his carving studio to be properly upgraded. We decided together that I would help create this campaign to share with those who have been touched by his work and his commitment to others, hoping that many could help close the loop of reciprocity in these challenging times.

Let me know if you have any questions about this campaign or for Jewell. Feel free to reach out to him on social media or have me ask him a question. We hope to do some exciting updates during this campaign and reveal some of what he has been working on recently.