Geronimo

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Acrylic on Canvas

23″ x 31″

Apache warriors are honored for the courage of their nations which fought with unparalleled bravery against the United States between 1849 and 1886, when Geronimo surrendered, and to a lesser extent for another 38 years after. The tendrils of lightning encasing the warriors are a depiction of how the first peoples saw the lethal power of gunfire that struck men dead with a thunderous flash. The serpent with the many tentacles strangling Geronimo and piercing through the skin of the Apache warriors depicts the mass genocide inflicted by the US.

The Apache helicopter, the most lethal helicopter in the world, was named after the Apache Warriors for their ferocity in battle. Some of the weapons used by the Apache warriors have been adopted by the US military such as the Tomahawk and several combat knives. And as early as 1940, American paratroopers of all ancestries adopted “Geronimo” as a battle cry for jumping into combat.

Today the Apache warrior tradition continues as a proud and disproportionate number of patriotic Apache men and women who serve in the American military. For this reason the red, white, and blue of the American flag appears in the background—a flag countless Apache veterans have heroically fought under for nearly a century.

Wandering Spirit

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Acrylic on Canvas

22″ x 28″

In Permanent Collection of Royal Alberta Museum

Wandering Spirit, also known as Kapapamahchakwew, was a prominent Cree warrior who played a significant role during the North-West Rebellion of 1885 in Canada. Born in the mid-19th century, he was known for his leadership and bravery among the Cree people. Wandering Spirit became a war chief under the leadership of Big Bear, a prominent Cree chief who sought to protect his people’s land and way of life against the encroaching influence of European settlers and the Canadian government. Tensions escalated as the Cree and other Indigenous groups faced increasing pressures from reduced rations and broken promises by the government, leading to widespread discontent and eventual conflict.

During the North-West Rebellion, Wandering Spirit led a group of Cree warriors in several confrontations, most notably the Frog Lake Massacre on April 2, 1885. In this tragic event, nine settlers, including Indian Agent Thomas Quinn, were killed, which marked a significant and violent episode in the uprising. Wandering Spirit’s actions were driven by desperation and the dire circumstances his people faced. However, following the suppression of the rebellion, he was captured, tried, and ultimately executed on November 27, 1885, in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Wandering Spirit’s legacy remains a complex and poignant symbol of resistance and the struggle for Indigenous rights and autonomy in Canadian history.

 

Fine-Day

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Acrylic on Canvas

20″ x 30″

In Permanent collection of Royal Alberta Museum

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.

Later in life Fine-Day became a very wise elder, a medicine man and a very powerful spiritual leader for his people.

 

 

Dreaver

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Acrylic on Canvas

16″ x 20″

In Permanent Collection of The Canadian War Museum

Chief Joseph Dreaver (1892-1978) was a decorated veteran of both WWI and WWII. While serving as a sapper in the 1st World War he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery at Ypres.

He reenlisted at the age of 48 when WWII broke out. Because of his age he remained in AB serving as a guard of POWs.

Dreaver’s accommodations included: 2 Coronation Medals, a Confederation of Canada Medal, a Second World War Medal, a Voluntary Service Medal, the Military Medal, and the Great War for Civilization Medal. He served for more than 40 years as Chief of the Mistawasis Cree Band and was a lifetime member of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indians.

Mike Holden’s work acquired by The Royal Alberta Museum

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Mike Holden’s Original Acrylic on Canvas Paintings, Fine-Day, Wandering Spirit and Thunderbird Warrior, have been permanently acquired by The Royal Alberta Museum located in Edmonton, Alberta.

Fine Day by Mike Holden

Wandering Spirit by Mike Holden

Thunderbird Warrior by Mike Holden

Mike Holden’s work acquired by The Canadian War Museum

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Mike Holden’s Original Acrylic on Canvas Painting, Dreaver,  Has been permanently acquired by The Canadian War Museum located in Ottawa, Ontario.

Dreaver by Mike Holden

The Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario.

Universal Balance

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30″ x 39″ Acrylic on Canvas – 2018

We are humble. We are made of the earth and return to the earth, infused with the great mystery and spirit of the stars. We know that we share this place not just with the other tribes of men, but also with all things that hold spirit. When we see that things that hold sacredness are not given their proper place in the circle, we hear our elders and our ancestors say, ahkamēyimōk “try hard”. The warrior tries hard to keep the balance for all things. Mni Wiconi. “Water is Life”. Water is what raises spirits from the earth and sustains them throughout their journey as a four legged, a two legged, a finned, a flyer, a crawler, or a plant. Some of the human nation has forgotten this, putting the entire hoop at risk. We fill our pipes on sacred blankets and ask the Eagles of the winged nation to carry our prayers to Creator, that our humble place be once again remembered by all, and that we ourselves remember always ahkamēyimōk until the balance is restored and there is papayatik “peace”.

The Eagle Has Come

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24″ x 36″ Acrylic on Canvas

In a world of skyscrapers and concrete, our spirits get lost in these cold streets. In the times when we most feel lost, we must remember the teachings of the eagle, to persevere, to fly higher.
Never forget we are children of the Earth and our mother protects

Impossible Odds Part lll

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Acrylic on Canvas

15″ x 30″

A Warrior is not only one of strong physical capabilities, and cunning instincts. A warrior also trains his mind to be at one with his spirit, so he can see beyond the illusions of this world. Here, from the view of a lone warrior, 5 Mounted Warriors stand in front of him. He stands his ground, singing his death song and meeting his fate. When overrun by the enemy, Dog Soldiers did not retreat, but rather staked their sashes to the ground with an arrow and sang their way home to the Creator, to ensure a good death. A good death is where one’s life is given with courage and selflessness for his people. Death is seen as only one phase of eternal life, just as birth. Fear in warrior traditions belongs to illusion, as every fate that meets us is bringing us what we need to pass through in this physical realm as spiritual beings.

Red Robin Above

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 Acrylic on Canvas

16″ x 20″