Nicholas Galanin is the force behind musical projects Ya Tseen, Indian Agent, and Silver Jackson. Based out of Sitka, Alaska, he creates art – both musical and physical – from and for his Tlingit community. Continuum is core to Galanin’s being. Being of both Tlingit and Unangax̂ heritage, Galanin’s work is concerned with serving his community and creating space for their voices, art, and culture in a world that has intentionally tried to strip it away. His collaborations as part of the Black Constellation represent an important statement of solidarity between Black and Indigenous artistic communities.
In this episode, we journey with Galanin through his numerous musical projects, his HomeSkillet festival and label, and some of his various exhibits and large scale art installations, like the “Never Forget” piece that saw him placing the words “INDIAN LAND” in Palm Springs in the style of the Hollywood sign. Galanin’s work is a mirror to the past while reflecting toward the future.
Listen to a playlist of music from the episode and read the transcript on KEXP.org.
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