Alaska Native Artist Spotlight: Hanna Sholl (Sugpiaq)

About the Author: Samantha Phillips is Tlingit - Kaagwaantaan, Eagle/Brown Bear of Klukwan and grew up in Yakutat. As a young woman she learned of her Tlingit grandmother’s suffering of severe discrimination and mistreatment while attending a residential boarding school. Publicly speaking out about what her grandmother endured served as a powerful lesson to Samantha that Indigenous voices need to be heard. By focusing on making a difference, she has passionately poured her storytelling abilities into various writing pursuits. When she is not writing in her current home in Madison, Alabama, Samantha can be found making memories with her life’s work—her six children.

“I reawaken sleeping traditions,” says Sugpiaq (Alutiiq) artist and teacher Hanna Sholl. The intent look of resolve, of determination, is clearly felt when she talks about her culture. It is clear Hanna has something to say, not only in her voice, but her hands dance, illustrating her passion.

According to Hanna Sholl, many of her Sugpiaq traditions were put to sleep during Alaska’s colonization. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that those traditions began to slowly awaken from their slumber. In many ways, Hanna’s life holds a parallel.

Born in Kodiak to a Sugpiaq mother and a French-descended father, Hanna's childhood consisted of traveling back and forth between both families when her parents separated. Raised much of the time in Portland, Oregon, Hanna felt a longing for her ancestral homelands, a connection she couldn't quite grasp. She recalls one instance, around the age of ten, returning to Kodiak and physically feeling the sense of “home.” Hanna audibly exhales at the memory, a gentle smile warming her countenance.

As the oldest of six, responsibility came natural to Hanna. On her own at the age of 17, ambitious and determined, Hanna put herself through Cosmetology school, worked night shifts at McDonalds and even got married at the age of 18. When her mom asked her and her new husband to drive her van up through the Alaska Highway Hanna jumped at the chance. Once in Kodiak, Hanna quickly decided she never wanted to leave!

When settling into her life in Kodiak, Hanna’s mom suggested she dance with the Alutiiq Dance group. The dance group eagerly welcomed her. As she began to dance she felt a connection, she says, that was embedded in her DNA. Dancing, in fact, opened the floodgates of learning and self-discovery for Hanna.

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Recounting the meaningfulness her traditional Sugpiaq dancing brought her, Hanna overflows with passion, her hands expressively reiterating her words. “I was trying to fill these holes… and I am dancing and I am singing…and I am wanting to know what I am singing so I am learning the language. And I am wanting to dance my own stuff so I am learning how to make headdress, I am learning how to make regalia and it’s all filling in. I felt myself starting to get this fire - like, if this so effective for me and it’s not being taught to our kids…what a difference it could make! All of the heartache I could’ve avoided! Had I been validated in my art and my herbal practice, along with the cultural elements that my body was craving on a DNA level.

“It pulled pieces of me that were vital to my existence so that I had to fill them with other things. It became very clear to me that this can help. This can change lives. This can make a difference. This can change our world, or our Sugpiaq nation.”

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Hanna began the practice of instantly teaching whatever she was learning and not worrying about becoming an expert first. She wanted to disseminate any knowledge she was receiving as quickly as possible. Hanna credits the guidance of many fantastic mentors pouring into her thirst for knowledge. Her mission has expanded to the point of her teaching classes and materials to help people of all ages utilize art as a healing agent.

This passion for sharing fueled her mission to create a space for cultural healing through art. Hanna's classes cater to all ages, from curious preschoolers to seasoned elders. She passionately teaches Sugpiaq designs, traditional crafts like oil lamp carving, and the stories woven into each artistic expression.

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However, Hanna emphasizes that she's not merely an instructor; she's a facilitator of cultural revival. Her oil lamp carving class exemplifies this perfectly. While the practical skills of carving are important, Hanna delves deeper, sharing the history and traditional uses of the lamps. She connects the past to the present, suggesting suitable modern oils and wicks, and even incorporates language translations and songs into the learning experience. Her goal extends beyond classrooms; it's about reviving traditions within Sugpiaq homes, fostering a sense of cultural identity in everyday life.

Hanna's artistic expression extends beyond educational settings. Her murals grace the walls of Kodiak and even reach as far as Seattle's Sacred Medicine House. Collaborations with organizations like the Alutiiq Museum further amplify her message. Together, they create educational children's coloring books, bridging the gap between cultural knowledge and artistic exploration.

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Hanna's message for visitors to Alaska is simple: learn about the Indigenous communities before you arrive. By understanding the Sugpiaq people and their history, visitors can create a more meaningful connection with the land and its people. Supporting local businesses like Hanna's storefront Tungiutaa in Kodiak ensures that authentic cultural experiences are available to all.

Hanna Sholl's story is one of resilience, artistic expression, and a burning desire to heal herself and her community. Through her art and dedication, she is reawakening dormant traditions and paving the way for a future where cultural healing thrives.

Hanna invites visitors to come in to her store Tungiutaa in the Kodiak mall and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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