Rulan H.

From a young age, Rulan has always found joy in creating art. As she grew, what began as a hobby evolved into an outlet for expression of her Indigenous identity. Currently a sophomore in Oklahoma, she aspires to study visual arts in college so she can use her skills to represent Indigenous culture and bring communities together.

In traditional Apache way, every girl undergoes a powerful coming-of-age ceremony designed as an honoring of life. It gives many sacred teachings, embodied by White-Painted Woman in the mountains, which guide and support girls throughout their lives. Movement is also sacred. Running connects me with my body, spirit, and the land–in this case, my homelands, the Chiricahua Mountains. My painting acknowledges ancient teachings from the ceremony which guide girls into womanhood. These sacred ways move us forward towards the light to realize our potential and make the most of the sacred gift that is life.