Natural Resources Conservation Service Selects Alaska Native Artwork for 2009 American Indian – Alaska Native Heritage Month Poster

Palmer, Alaska July 15, 2009-- The Natural Resources Conservation Service chose artwork by Andrew Abyo for the NRCS 2009 American Indian – Alaska Native Heritage Month Poster. Born in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in the Bristol Bay village of Pilot Point, Andrew Abyo is an Aleut/Alutiiq artist and carver who seeks to learn and pass on his cultural traditions. He wants everyone, especially his four children to have a greater understanding of the Alutiiq culture and its rich history. "My goal is to bring out different things that you normally don’t get to see, other than in a museum.”

The artwork, “We Are All Connected,” depicts the relationship between land, animals, and people. Abyo described his piece this way: “We are connected to land and animals. We are connected by touch and feel in spirit. Our ties to land and animals help us survive and connect to our ancestors. We are all connected.”

The USDA NRCS will create a poster from the artwork to kick-off the 2009 American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month in November. To request a copy of the 2009 poster please email landcare@usda.gov and supply your name and physical address. The posters will be ready for distribution by mid October, 2009. Sixteen thousand copies of the poster will be distributed to all NRCS offices nationwide. Distribution of the poster is part of the month-long event to educate the public about the heritage, history, art and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

USDA NRCS State Conservationist Bob Jones gives his thanks and appreciation to each of the artists who competed in the contest, promoting their heritage, and sharing their talent.

NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. NRCS provides financial assistance for many conservation activities. Participation in programs is voluntary and non-regulatory.
 

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