Seattle Daybreak Star Phaedra: A Litany of Her Contribution to the Arts and Culture of the Pacific Northwest and Beyond

Seattle Daybreak Star Phaedra, also known as Phaedra Tillard or Phaedra Thomas, was an influential Native American writer, performer, and visual artist who contributed significantly to the arts and culture of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Born in 1955 on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington State, Phaedra was a member of the Lummi Nation and identified as a Two-Spirit.

Phaedra's Artistic Journey

Phaedra's artistic journey began at a young age, as she was exposed to traditional Coast Salish art forms and storytelling. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she studied photography, painting, and printmaking. Her early work focused on exploring her Native American heritage and identity, often through the medium of self-portraiture.

Phaedra's artistic practice expanded into performance art and writing in the 1980s and 1990s. She performed spoken word poetry, theater, and dance, using her art as a platform to address issues of social justice, environmentalism, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her writings, which included poetry, essays, and plays, often explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the complexities of being both Native American and queer.

Recognition and Impact

Phaedra's work gained recognition and acclaim both within the Native American community and beyond. She was awarded numerous grants and fellowships, including the National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship and the Ford Foundation's Indigenous Artists Initiative Grant. Her work was featured in major exhibitions and publications, including the Whitney Biennial and the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Phaedra's art and activism left a lasting impact on the arts and culture of the Pacific Northwest. She inspired generations of Native American artists and writers, and her work played a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and representative cultural landscape.

Legacy and Inspiration

Seattle Daybreak Star Phaedra passed away in 2010 at the age of 54. Her legacy continues to live on through her art, her activism, and the countless individuals she inspired. Her work serves as a testament to the power of art to empower, challenge, and bring about social change.

Notable Works

• Poems: "Chanting at the Eclipse," "Coyote's Dream," "Two-Spirit"
• Plays: "Bones in the Wash," "Flight of the Fleeting," "The Red Microphone"
• Visual Art: "Lummi Girl with Hoop Earrings," "Spirit Canoe," "The Hand That Feeds"

Quotes from Phaedra's Work

• "My art is the continuation of our Native people's art, our stories, and our way of life."
• "We must never forget who we are or where we come from. Our culture is our strength."
• "Art is a powerful tool for change. It can educate, inspire, and unite people."

Effective Strategies for Using Phaedra's Work in the Classroom

• Incorporate Phaedra's poetry, plays, and visual art into lessons on Native American literature, history, and culture.
• Use her work as a starting point for discussions on identity, sexuality, and social justice.
• Invite guest speakers from the Native American community to share their perspectives on Phaedra's work and its impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Teaching About Phaedra's Work

• Oversimplifying her identity: Phaedra identified as a Two-Spirit, which is a complex and fluid gender identity that does not fit into traditional Western categories.
• Reducing her work to its political message: While Phaedra's work often addressed social issues, it was also a deeply personal expression of her own experiences and journey.
• Ignoring her Native American heritage: Phaedra's work is rooted in her Lummi culture and traditions, which should be acknowledged and respected.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Teaching About Phaedra's Work

1. Introduce Phaedra and her background: Provide students with a brief biography of Phaedra and discuss the significance of her Native American heritage and Two-Spirit identity.
2. Explore her artistic practice: Examine different examples of Phaedra's work, including poetry, plays, and visual art, and analyze her unique style and themes.
3. Discuss the impact of her work: Discuss the ways in which Phaedra's art has influenced Native American culture, the LGBTQ+ community, and the wider arts community.
4. Foster critical thinking: Encourage students to engage critically with Phaedra's work, considering its strengths, limitations, and implications.

Table 1: Grants and Fellowships Awarded to Phaedra

Table 2: Exhibitions and Publications Featuring Phaedra's Work

Table 3: Themes Explored in Phaedra's Work

Table 4: Pros and Cons of Using Phaedra's Work in the Classroom