Aria M.

I identify as Blackfoot mixed with Caribbean Indian and Black. I have not found anyone else like me with this heritage. Being different is hard, especially when I don’t look like my ancestors. I express myself through my art, which is primarily historical, and justice related (I draw and paint social injustices or how things should be for different cultures). I also enjoy sculpting historical scenes.

Hair and culture are sacred to me especially since I do not look like a typical Blackfoot girl or are around any Blackfeet. This piece depicts a Blackfoot woman wearing her hair in the traditional style of two long braids. They, along with several other first nation people used sweetgrass to perfume themselves and their hair. The butterfly is attracted to the smell of her hair. Her dress is also traditional wear- they did not wear revealing clothing. They usually wore white circular earrings made from wood, shells and animal bone. This is how I see myself internally.