Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay)

(American | Skokomish, born 1944, died 2005)

Elder, teacher, and artist Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) (Skokomish, 1944-2005) of the Skokomish Indian Tribe, near Shelton, Western Washington, played a key role in conserving and sustaining the Twana language (belonging to the Coast Salish languages) and culture of the Skokomish people. He was a master of traditional Skokomish weaving and carving, and led the revival of a number of traditional Twana spiritual and ceremonial practices. He became the tribe's cultural and educational director in 1971. He was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 1992, and a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2004. He passed on tribal stories, traditions, and skills to many apprentices.