American Indian Heritage 2003 Local Heroes:
Kathy Wallace
Honoree Kathy Wallace is Karuk, Yurok, and a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. She is a Founder and active board member of the California Indian Basketweavers Association, (CIBA), a non profit organization whose mission is to preserve, promote and perpetuate California Indian basket weaving traditions. CIBA's work strives to help overcome the significant economic and social inequalities suffered historically by California Indians. She also strongly advocates for the safety of weavers, gatherers and others in tribal communities by monitoring and discouraging pesticide use in traditional and potential gathering areas. She has dedicated her time to helping tribal members reconnect with traditional ways through the art of basket weaving.
Over the past 20 years, Kathy has taught various workshops on Northern California Native Culture and Basketry to other tribal members and people from all walks of life throughout California and the United States. She has guest lectured at various universities and colleges and has been an Instructor at D.Q. University in Davis for seven years.
Kathy has volunteered her time and expertise to a number of projects involving Native American Arts and Culture. She was co-curator of an exhibit of Contemporary Northern California Native American Art at the Jesse Peter Museum. She researched, designed and installed exhibits for the rehabilitation of the California State Indian Museum in Sacramento. Kathy has also exhibited her own award winning works at numerous museums and installations throughout California. She has represented CIBA internationally at conferences in Australia, England and Scotland. Kathy is also the founder of various organizations including The Indian Education Parent Committee, and The Martin and Suisun Park Supporting Group.
Though she has received numerous awards and honors, Kathy says her proudest achievement is teaching her daughter to weave.
highlights
african american
local heroes
resources
about KQED
