The Future Looks Bright
Acrylic on Canvas
48″ x 24″
Stories Have Always Been Our Governance
Acrylic on Canvas
14″ x 20″
Every Child Matters
Acrylic on Canvas
11″ x 16″
New York Spirit
Acrylic on Canvas
39” x 48”
With approximately 90,000 Native Americans living in NYC, it is home to the largest urban Indigenous population in the US. Seated on Lenape territory, built with significant labor contributions from Mohawk ironworkers, and inhabited by peoples from countless nations across Turtle Island, NYC is a mecca of Indigenous diversity. NYC is also known as the home of immigrants and their descendants, many of whom fled the oppressive effects of colonization in their own homelands. The common dream that all New Yorkers share is for a better future for their generations. The protection of water and land, and resistance to capitalistic exploitation, are becoming increasingly vital to that dream. Due to its cultural diversity, NYC is home to the United Nations, where the world has come together to create the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Oilers
Acrylic on Canvas
24″ x 18″
The Sandhill Crane, The Bear & The flying Otter family
Acrylic on Canvas
24″ x 18″
Sacred Fire Keeper
Acrylic on Canvas
24″ x 18″
Thunderbird Warrior
Acrylic on Canvas
18″ x 24″
In Permanent collection of Royal Alberta Museum
18″ x 24″ Acrylic on Canvas
Description:
The coming of thunder in the spring is a gift from the Thunderbeings, a promise of renewal and awakening. It marks a spiritual salve for the losses of the past year, a healing after the harsh and unforgiving winters. This season brings a time for warriors to heal, grow strong again, and prepare. The return of the Thunderbeings provides the recharge needed for a warrior to rise once more, to embody courage and selflessness for the people.
Artist Mike Holden carries “Coming of Thunder” as his traditional spirit name. He is also the son of a lightning strike survivor who carries a name to honor the Thunderbeings: Lead Thunderbird Man. The Thunderbird is depicted in this painting to represent the unseen bringers of thunder and lightning. The rifles symbolize the harnessed power of the Thunderbeings, once believed to be powerful instruments meant to provide for and protect the people. Behind the warrior is the sun, which returns along with the thunder to renew the warrior’s strength.
Fine-Day Part lll
Diamond Resin Series Limited Edition
Fine-Day, a respected Plains Cree warrior, led his people in the Battle of Cut Knife fought on May 2, 1885. With only about 60 Cree and Assiniboine warriors, they faced a Canadian force of 350 soldiers, armed with cannons and a Gatling gun. Fine-Day skillfully used the terrain, scattering his warriors in small groups to create the illusion of a much larger force. This clever tactic led to the eventual retreat of the Canadian troops.
The two yellow stars beside Fine-Day symbolize the belief many Indigenous Nations have that human beings come from the stars, reflecting a deep spiritual connection between the Earth, The Sun and the universe.
Later in life Fine-Day became a very wise elder, a medicine man and a very powerful spiritual leader for his people.
