LOUISA

Hesci! My name is Louisa Harjo and I am 15 years old. I am Deer clan and my tribal town in Fishpond. I am granddaughter of Hickory Ground. Sewing, painting, knitting and making traditional clothing is what I enjoy the most. Art is medicine to me, it has saved me and gives me a healthy outlet. I believe that through art we can share and keep our cultures going. I have created an Art program called Heleswn Nakvhakv (Art is Medicine) to show youth that art and culture are connected and can be healing.

My art piece is called Hesaketv Encehvlletv (Struggle to breath/survive). The late Wilbur Chebon Gouge once made a speech called “The Struggle to Survive” and it is about the strength of the Muscogee (Creek) woman. Today, being a young Creek woman I believe in being strong and understanding where we come from is what Generation Indigenous is. Our women are leaders, mothers, sisters, artists, soldiers, and keepers of traditions. My submission is a traditional ribbon dress that I sewed and painted. The red and yellow represent the fire and strength of our women. Being proud of your culture is survival!

My art piece is called Hesaketv Encehvlletv (Struggle to breath/survive). The late Wilbur Chebon Gouge once made a speech called “The Struggle to Survive” and it is about the strength of the Muscogee (Creek) woman. Today, being a young Creek woman I believe in being strong and understanding where we come from is what Generation Indigenous is. Our women are leaders, mothers, sisters, artists, soldiers, and keepers of traditions. My submission is a traditional ribbon dress that I sewed and painted. The red and yellow represent the fire and strength of our women. Being proud of your culture is survival!

Lousia was the 2018 Creative Native 15-19 age category prize winner.