Paglagivsi

Artist Bio

Michele Joy Kawahine Kilomana Naataq Ugruaq Danner is Iñupiaq and Native Hawaiian. Her ancestral lands are Utqiagvik, Alaska and Kauai, Hawaii. She is guided by the traditional values of her Iñupiaq and Kanaka ‘Ōiwi elders, teachers, and community members.

Behind The Name

Kilomana Creations is named after the artist, who is named after her grandmother Lorraine “Kawahinekilomana” Kolo-Danner of Niumalu, Kauai. Lorraine was a Native Hawaiian educator who moved from the hot shores of Kauai to the frozen shores of the Arctic Circle, to teach in the Iñupiat villages until her last days. Kawahinekilomana means “The Woman With Stargazing Power”. 

Past Collaborations

2024

• Native Youth Olympics Utqiagvik Team Logo
• ✦ Arctic Education Foundation Camp Logo
• ✦ Santa Fe Art Institute, 2024 International Residency Program

2023

• ✦ First Alaskans Institute, Elders & Youth Conference Logo
• ✦ Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, Coloring Book Creation
• ✦ Arctic Indigenous Film Fund, Filmmaking Partner
• ✦ Team Alaska Arctic Sports 2023, Team Logo

2022

• ✦ Rasmuson Foundation, Individual Artist Award
• ✦ HGTV, "The Unique Challenges of Living in the Arctic"
• ✦ Indigenous Milk Medicine Collective, Event Logo

2021

• ✦ NW Portland Area Indian Health Board, "Two Spirit Talks" artwork
• ✦ Seawolf Seafoods, Logo Creation
• ✦ Made By Raven, Logo Creation
• ✦ Coffee&Quaq, Episode 19 Podcast Participant