Medium: Pencil
Size: 8 x 10
Reprint only

This illustration I drew when I was pregnant with my first child in 1990. The elder represents keeper of memory, past and stories. Beside him lay a variety of landscapes; mountains, forest, river and sky representing the land Native peoples use to steward over, to protect and work on with. In the mountain is tunnel representing hardship, and impossible passage and below the tunnel are two figures.

The first figure is vary faint but represents his purpose, as it was know, was fading. Figure two, to the right, is on a horse. He represents a warrior (man or woman) grieving for the children, children’s children, and children’s children’s children for vastness, riches and treasures have been robbed.

Beside figure two, is a body of a man’s shoulder and face lying in the ground as part of the Earth. Beside Figure two on the left is also a shadow of an eagle feather which represents hope. Eagles renew themselves by going into the mountain, pulling out all their feathers and talons and break their beaks. They are weak and vulnerable until new feathers, talons and beak has formed.

Circle this scene are roots that blend into the woman’s hair which signifies her heritage. Part of who she is to grow where she is and not to look back or live in the past, but to move forward in grace, wisdom, and dignity. 

Behind her is a turtle shell which represents life and an eagle feather which reprints seeing things from above. For a more detailed explanation or if you’d like to see what exactly where each figure is, please watch the video I created:

Video Explanation of Image