S'abadeb, the Lushootseed word for "gifts," invokes the reciprocity that is at the heart of Salish culture. It expresses the importance of offering gifts at potlatches, giving thanks during ceremonies, respecting the creativity bestowed upon artists and leaders and honouring the master artists, oral historians and cultural leaders who pass vital cultural information to future generations.

S'abadeb-The Gifts brings together current scholarship with indigenous knowledge for the first time. Twelve essays examine how the history and culture of gifts are reflected in art, including pieces written by:
artists Susan Point (Musqueam) and Shaun Peterson (Puyallup/Tulalip)
scholars Carolyn Marr and Wayne Suttles
cultural specialists Sonny McHalsie (StÛ:lÛ) and Bruce Miller (Skokomish)

More than 200 photographs, most of them full colour, showcase the best of Salish art, including monumental house posts, expertly crafted basketry and woven regalia and stunning contemporary works in glass wood, and paint.

Barbara Brotherton is curator of Native American Art at the Seattle Art Museum. She holds a doctorate in art history from the University of Washington and is a member of the Lushootseed research organization founded by Upper Skagit elder Vi Hilbert. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

Barbara Brotherton's profile page

"The book...signals a seismic shift in the way Native American art and culture are presented. In both the book and exhibition [the artists]...have quite simply taken back their own history. Working with SAM curator Barbara Brotherton, they have erased the artificial boundary of the US-Canada border and assembled the first major exhibition that brings together all the Coast Salish people. The have written many of the essays, told the stories, interpreted the works."

Seattle Times