My great great Grandmother came from the Dakota Nation. Married to a West Coast Salish man, she came here during a time of upheaval and change with her parents and siblings, during the mid 1800’s. I always imagine it must have been a great transition for her and her family. Our people on the West Coast, welcomed them with open arms, and although she became one of us, her connections to the Dakota land and people must have been a constant thought.

Her one wish before she passed away, was to meet my mother who was 13 years old at the time. So much love and happiness came out her, while my mother stood at her bedside, not realizing how proud she was to be in my mother’s presence. The color on her nails and eyes as well as the little finch on her shoulder, is what I always see when she comes to me in my dreams. I tried to keep it as accurate as I could remember.

She passed away shortly after meeting my mother, at age 108.

About the Original
Medium: Acrylic on Paper/ Image Size: 22" x 30 " / Created: 2000
Availability: Yes / Price: $7,500.00