Artwork by Haiwee Fredericks (Paiute, Shoshone, Washoe), in collaboration with Stormi Alejandre (Sicangu Oyate Lakota; Acoma–Zuni Pueblo)
Artist Statement
Manahuu (Greetings), my name is Haiwee Fredericks. I am Paiute, Shoshone, and Washoe. I grew up within my homelands of Payahuunadü (also known as the Owens Valley, on the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountains) on the Bishop Paiute Reservation. I’m a fourth year undergraduate studying Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems and Native American Studies. Throughout my life I’ve been surrounded by those who instilled in me the love of our food systems– especially our Native plant relatives. Before I go any further I’d like to recognize my colleague and friend Stormi Alejandre, Sicangu Oyate Lakota and Acoma-Zuni Pueblo, who brought me into this project and supported me along the way, adding the color and final touches.
The design for the 2026 California Native Plant Foods Celebration and Symposium is directly rooted in my passion for California Native food systems. Initially when Stormi and I were asked to create a piece of art for this event my mind was flooded with endless possibilities. Many of these directly relate to the plants whom I hold deep respect for. I decided on three plants which can be found throughout California– specifically ones who are a source of food in my homelands and on the land which hosts us today. Paku (Helianthus annuus), Hubi’chia (Sambucus mexicana), and Nahavita (Dipterostemon capitatus) are the plants seen framing the center piece, below I’ll highlight Hubi’chia and Nahavita.
Hubi’chia was the first who came to my mind–well, is really always on my mind. Those who know me are well aware of how much love I have for Hubi’chia. They’re a source of medicine, music, dye, and, of course, food. In my first year at UC Davis, seeing my relative Hubi’chia around campus alleviated my anxieties of being away from home for the first time. They’ve been a connector throughout my time in Davis, bringing me to the Student Farm, an incentive to attend the Nest’s events (where elderberry lemonade is often served), and igniting my interest in working alongside cultural fire.
Nahavita is who I instantly think of when I think about California Native foods. Nahavita is a reminder of the continued resistance of California Native peoples, a reminder of the not so distant past in which caring for and harvesting Nahavita brought persecution. Within Payahuunadü, Nahavita is a relative whom our ancestors once irrigated and is a crucial aspect of Nüümü (Paiute) lifeways. My dream is to see these areas once irrigated for plant relatives to flourish in Nüümü care once again.
The center depicts a cooking basket with a cooking stone held by stirring sticks. These baskets are more than ‘tools’ for cooking; they carry many stories of reciprocity. The design on the basket is inspired by baskets woven by my ancestors. Within the basket, a variety of foods could be cooked by adding a hot stone and stirring, continuing the process until achieving the desired result. I often associate cooking baskets with cooking Wia (Quercus kelloggii) or Tuba (Pinus monophylla)– two other relatives who also reside in my area. Envision what you would like to see within this cooking basket.
My connections to Paku, Hubi’chia, Nahavita, and the process of cooking guided me to creating this piece. I hope this piece is able to awaken memories, spark a conversation, or open new possibilities.
About the Artists
Haiwee Fredericks
Double majoring in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems and Native American Studies at UC Davis, Fredericks brings deep connections to Indigenous food systems as an active community member in Payahuunadü (“the place where water flows”) along the Eastern Sierra Mountains. Growing up Nüümü, Newe, and Wá∙šiw, she combines academic study with lived cultural knowledge and community engagement in Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives. Her artistic contribution to the symposium poster reflects both traditional knowledge and contemporary expressions of Native plant relationships.
Stormi Alejandre
Bachelor of Arts candidate in Native American Studies (graduating Spring 2026), Alejandre serves as Student Director of the American Indian Recruitment and Retention (AIRR) program at UC Davis’ Student Recruitment and Retention Center (SRRC). In this leadership role, she focuses on supporting Native American student success and fostering connections between Indigenous students and cultural resources. Her artistic work for the symposium poster embodies the intersection of academic achievement, cultural identity, and community representation.
About the Poster Commission
This artwork serves as the official poster for the 2026 California Native Plant Foods Celebration and Symposium. The design was led by artists Haiwee Fredericks and Stormi Alejandre and reflects Native food systems, plant relatives, and cultural practices connected to California Native plant foods.
With the artists’ permission, this page has been created to center their voices, share the full artist statement, and acknowledge the collaborative process behind the poster.
The artists retain full authorship of their work and words, and we are grateful for their guidance and care throughout this collaboration.Community Raffle
Limited edition signed prints of the official symposium poster will be raffled during the event, with the artists’ consent, as a way to share this work with the wider community and support continued learning around California Native plant foods.
Sharing & Media
The poster artwork will appear on symposium flyers, registration materials, and digital outreach with the artists’ permission. We will be sharing official versions of these materials for community partners who wish to share event information.
All uses retain visible artist credit and are limited to symposium-related, non-commercial communications.