Artwork copyright Jacqueline Moreau. Photo courtesy of the artist.

David Sohappy Mending Fish Nets, 1985

Jacqueline Moreau
(American, born 1948)

Location: Lyle School District, Lyle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

David Sohappy Mending Fish Nets shows Sohappy, an important Native fishing activist and member of the Yakama Tribe in 1985 at age sixty. David Sohappy lived for many years in Cook’s Landing along the Columbia River in south central Washington State. He played an important role in the battle for Native fishing rights in Washington State from the 1960s until his death in 1991.

Documentary photographer Jacqueline Moreau photographed the Sohappy family from 1985 to 1991. David Sohappy served in the army in World War II in the 1940s and lived from 1925-1991. Moreau notes that Sohappy is “known for his practice of Native American traditions and for his efforts to exercise fishing rights guaranteed in the Treaty of 1855… The Sohappys cling to traditional Indian ways and practice the Seven Drums and Feather religions. David Sohappy was a spiritual leader of his people. He said, ‘We believe in our Creator, the earth, the sky, the water. Always honor them before anything else.’”

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Lyle School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jacqueline Moreau is a documentary photographer and journalist. Her body of work captures the lives and traditions of Native American peoples living along the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon. Her work investigates the complex cultural and social issues facing Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce Tribes.

Moreau states, "A need exists to really know that many aboriginal cultures have survived to the present time because traditions and beliefs have imparted sustaining values and practices in harmony with the environment. There is much to be learned from that. There is balance and beauty in this, and it is important."

A collection of Moreau's photographs and manuscript materials is housed by the University of Oregon Libraries.