Hey, Everyone. If you haven't seen or watched, I posted the same video on Instagram and YouTube about wanting to finish my book and make it an official, marketable, findable book at libraries and stores far and wide—all across Turtle Island and beyond. 

If you are new here, then please let me introduce myself 

If you do not follow me but are interested, you can find me on Instagram indigenous_gothic

My name is Kalvin Satiacum. I'm enrolled with the Puyallup Tribe here in Tacoma, WA.

Both of my parents are enrolled in Puyallup. My Grandparents on my mother's side are Puyallup/ Muckleshoot from James Siddle Senior and German Dutch Irish from Judy Paulson. Historical context: The Siddle family was known as Record Keepers and knew many sacred historical locations and events around the Salish Sea. The Satiacum side of my Grandparents are from Puyallup and Musqueam and were known to be Chiefs of different tribes, such as Duwamish and Puyallup. 

I was born in Puyallup at Good Sam Hospital and have spent most of my adult life in Tacoma. I recently graduated from Tacoma Community College, where I held multiple leadership roles, such as Student President and Student Ambassador. For as long as I can remember, I have been an artist. 

Two Days in the Alley, what is it? The titles reference the Puyallup Tribe's Firecracker Alley—a place where enrolled members of the Puyallup Tribe engage in small business. Oftentimes, the money raised by family members leads to family trips. To powwow, go on canoe journeys, water parks, etc. Patrons of the Alley often leave many fireworks to take home to families and neighbors and such. The 4th of July is a significant holiday, and who would know better than the folks who help arm the celebration? 

What is this photo project about? Two Days in the Alley is a photo book that develops into the world of Indigenous entrepreneurship, focusing on small business and community-driven initiatives that thrive in the shadows of American pastime through the lens of Fourth of July celebrations. This book explores the complex relationship between Native American communities and modern consumer culture during traditional American summer past times.

It is both Street Photography and historical documentation. 

Oftentimes, indigenous folks are overlooked as entrepreneurs. Fireworks can be a bit of a grey market, as items being bought and sold on Federal land, as we called (federally recognized tribe of USA), can be illegal in Tacoma or Peirce County. Some people travel farther away from Oregon, California, to shop at Firecracker Alley, Boom City, Muckleshoot, and all over. The only place I haven't seen fireworks sold is Death Valley/ Timbisha Shoshone Reservation.

Why self-publishing? 

I met with two publishing companies. One of them was completely not interested. They told me they had other books like mine, etc., all the things I imagined I would hear from a large print house. Then I talked with BCP, and it was great. They offered me a great deal. I couldn't bring myself to accept. They offered to renegotiate for more equitable terms. Some of myself said I can do it alone without telling them. I left their offer on the table and just haven't responded. I have done everything myself up until now. I can drag myself over the finish line and make this a compelling historical document, professional portfolio, and business product. I can also use my knowledge and skills to help others who walk alone. 

Current Difficulties in the Project

As a project goal, I would like this to be part of the Library of Congress. According to Wikipedia, the Library of Congress (LOC) is a research library in Washington, D.C., serving as the library and research service for the United States Congress and the de facto national library of the United States. It also administers copyright law through the United States Copyright Office and houses the Congressional Research Service.

So, LoC is a major institution for the US government in terms of national libraries. I think people of this messed up world deserve to see this beautiful part of my home, reservation, and people. 

Where are we, and what must we do to get there? 

We need to add a title, publisher, and copyright pages. 

we need to apply for ISBN (international standard book number)

we need to apply for an SKU Barcode

we need to add the Catalog-in-Publication Data section on the copyright page

Doing all of this will help our chances of getting accepted and make it easy for libraries and stores to catalog and market the book. I think libraries across all reservations deserve to have our photobook or one like this. 

Steps and Fees to achieve our goals

$30+/ month for Adobe

$65+ Copyright

$150+ for ISBN + SKU Barcode

$150+ Catalog-in-Publication Data 

$75+ apply for Library of Congress

$250+ to send two copies to the Library of Congress

$3,500 Printing 

We are really close to completing the project. I have received many calls from people wanting to donate or preorder. 

Some folks want to donate to specific causes. One friend of mine wants to donate just for Adobe. At the same time, we haven't acted on this today. We will see about getting the funds tomorrow. We wanted the book available on May 21st this year but fell behind. That's okay; we go at the pace we need to. Much of the work that needs to be done for the book to be sent to print is small and nuanced. With more economic freedom, this can be a real community accomplishment. 

How can you help? 

Anything you can do to help us reach the $5,555 goal would be greatly appreciated. It would go a long way toward helping us spread the wonderful stories of the pictures we captured together. 

The best thing you can do is preorder the book, make a donation, or help us financially by championing a fee such as copyright, ISBN, etc. 

THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED SUPPORTERS WILL RECEIVE A PRINTED PHOTO FROM MY PRIVATE COLLECTION OF WORK, NO MATTER THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT OR PREORDER

Donations Tier List

Donation Level: Thank you ($5 or less)

received a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support. 

Donation Level: Medicine Bag ($10 or less)

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created as a symbol of gratitude for your support.

Donation Level: Supporter Bundle ($15 or less)

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Donation Level: Community Supporter ($25 or less)

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Donation Level: Community Duo Supporter ($50 or less)

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support

Receive a handmade medicine bag created by me

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Plus, there are some other zines and buttons, enough for your partner and you. 

Donation Level: Artisan's Gift ($75 or less)

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Receive a handmade necklace I crafted with a unique design inspired by the project's themes and stories.

Donation Level: Custom Artisan's Gift ($99)

You and I will collaborate on a one-of-a-kind necklace I made for you. 

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Receive a handmade necklace crafted by me featuring a unique design inspired by the project's themes and stories.

Book Preorder Tier List

Book Preorder Level Early Eagle: ($99)

Get the book at an early bird discounted price of $99 (instead of $125) 

Receive a physical copy of the photobook "Two Days in the Alley," a unique look at Indigenous entrepreneurship and American pastimes 

Get a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support 

Book Preorder Level Book Supporter: ($125)

This includes:

A physical copy of the photobook

Receive a handwritten thank-you card, expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Book Preorder Level Artist Support: ($200)

A special edition of the physical copy of the photobook

Receive a handwritten thank-you card expressing my appreciation for your support

Receive a handmade medicine bag created by me

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Receive a handmade necklace I crafted with a unique design inspired by the project's themes and stories.

Book Preorder Level Community Investor: ($500)

A physical copy of the photobook

Receive a handwritten thank-you card, expressing my appreciation for your support.

Receive a handmade medicine bag that I created.

Get a limited-edition button pin that says "I survived Firecracker Alley," also made by me.

Receive a physical copy of the mini magazine Two Days in the Valley, a short trip through Death Valley, Timbisha Shoshone Reservations, which I also designed and printed.

Receive a handmade necklace crafted by me featuring a unique design inspired by the project's themes and stories.

You will be invited to a special artist meet-and-greet before the book launch. At this event, you can ask me questions, and we can talk about the project, art, and life in general. 

While I do not have shipping calculated yet, these are rough estimates as the book is large. 

Local pickup and Drop-off are highly encouraged. Books will be available for pickup at the Book Launch on or about June 25th or at Firecracker Alley thereafter until July 4th, 2025. 

If shipping is required. 

You can choose from the following shipping options:

Standard shipping (domestic): $10

Expedited shipping (domestic): $20

International shipping: $25

How do I order the book?

At this current time, I'm the only person processing orders. To keep things as organized as possible, I set up a new email for myself. kalvinstupidemail@gmail.com

Please email me at kalvinstupidemail@gmail.com with a preorder or donation as the subject heading. 

1). Your email should contain the name of whom will pick up your order (please remember local pickup/ drop off is highly encouraged)

2). Your email should also contain your preorder book level or donation level 

3). If you want to receive text alerts, please include the number you want them sent. 

4). Please include the shipping address and recipient if you require shipping. 

5). To keep things simple for me, please include how you would like to pay. Accepted forms of payment are Venmo, Apply Pay, or Cash. 

6). Once I receive your email, I will add you to the community ledger, 

7). Then, I will attempt to collect payment. 

8). Once payment has been received, I will send you a confirmation email

9). We hope to have the book in the hands of the community by June 25th, if not sooner

10) Follow us on social media and here on the website to keep up to date with all progress. 

We hope to post the Community Road Map in the next few days. 

If you're reading this, preorders are open/ still open, and we look forward to your support. 

Could you email us, support us, or follow us? 

Much love 

Kalvin S