Yazzie Chee

I’m currently enrolled at the University of Oregon studying social science and minoring in Native American and Indigenous Studies and I’m this year’s Mr. Indigenous UO. My goal is to attend tribal law school. I’ve been painting for 3 years and it has served as an outlet for the stresses of my daily life. I use my paintings to tell stories and share my identity and culture with others. Painting my experiences and sharing my reality has grounded me in my identity, culture, and community. I often capture images of pivotal moments in my life and paint them.

Growing up without parents, the meaning of home constantly shifted. I found home and community through the relationships I built with others through my chaotic journey. My family is from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but I grew up constantly moving. Last year I was given the opportunity to attend the Indian Law Conference in Albuquerque. While there, I reconnected with an Indigenous mentor. She gifted me my first pair of moccasins. I was so excited that I started dancing. My friend took a picture of me. I painted that picture. This painting represents my reconnection to my home, community and identity.