Before I dive into the new year, I want to continue to reflect on 2024. It was a year of love, loss, laughter, tears, and resilience—a whole lot of resilience. Growth happened in ways I didn’t expect, and while I might be walking into 2025 carrying some losses and anguish, I never anticipated, the real win is simply walking forward. Personal loss created a realization to my artistic practices and profession: my cousins and I have now become the older generation of artists in our family. It's a role I didn't force stepping into so soon, and it carries immense responsibility. I'm endlessly thankful for the lessons my uncles in the LaFountain Family shared with me over the years. Their talents, wisdom, humor, and passion shaped us into the artists we are today, and they will be continually missed. I am not only thankful for them but those who supported their work, and thankful that they encouraged others to explore their creativity. 2024 taught me that even in the hardest moments, there’s strength in showing up for yourself and those you care about. It wasn’t perfect—far from it—but it was real, and I’m thankful for the lessons, even the ones I didn’t ask for. (Yet, I can really use a break from negativity, and welcome the idea of being embraced.) I did learn that my self-isolation wasn't completely a result of "healing," but it was a response to help me heal. There was a lot that has taken place in this year, and I am thankful. I walk with gratitude from what I have learned, those who I have met, and the mashkiki (medicine) that came from that. I’ve learned not to say, “This is going to be the year,” because life has its own plans. But I’ll admit, there’s still a glimmer of hope. My “better” may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay--that’s what individuality is all about. Every year, I think about how much I love supporting the communities I care for. It’s a huge part of who I am, and I genuinely want to keep growing and giving in ways that matter. But let’s be real--it’s easy to lose yourself in the process, and this year, I’m ready to do things differently. I need to keep my eyes open, as I learned going simply by faith is not always the best way to go about living. In this next year, my focus is on finding that sweet spot between giving to others and not forgetting myself in the mix. I’m focused on balance: loving and giving to the communities I care for while also learning to love and care for myself, honoring my own needs. The acts of service should come from a place of abundance, not sacrifice. I want to show up for the people and causes I care about without running on empty or feeling like I’m losing parts of myself along the way. So, here’s my plan: • Keep growing I’ll always push myself to do better and learn more, but I’m making sure I grow in a way that feels good, not draining. • Set boundaries: Let’s normalize saying “no” when it’s needed to protect our peace and without guilt (easier said than done, but I’m working on it). • Make space for joy: Whether it’s creating, traveling, or just being still, I’m committing to moments that recharge my spirit, with continual gratitude. I don’t want to give less; I just want to give differently—more intentionally and with more care for myself in the process. If I’m at my best, I can keep showing up in ways that truly matter. BooZhoo, greetings, 2025. I am curious as to what is to come. ![]() Adorning Pink Velcro shoes, she skips along, A little Ojibwe girl, a spirit strong. With red pants and Big Bird’s colorful hue, Her hair in a side pony, eyes shining true. Through family homes and dirt Rez roads she roams, Exploring the world, making it her own. Amongst whispers of trees and songs of the breeze, Her laughter dances, a melody to appease. In each step and leap she takes, a story unfolds, Of traditions passed down, of tales untold. With eyes full of wonder, and dreams ever bright, She wanders the path, embracing the light. In her heart, the spirit of ancestors reside, Guiding her journey with wisdom and pride. A little Ojibwe girl, with courage to explore, In her pink Velcro shoes, she’ll find so much more.
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![]() 2024: A Year of Reflection, Transformation, and Purpose 2024 has been a year of profound transformation—marked by growth, resilience, and a reevaluation of purpose. My second year as a 2023 Bush Fellow has been a time of immense learning, not only about my work but about myself. Returning to college to pursue my Museum Studies Certificate at Harvard University has been an eye-opening experience. After 20 years, stepping back into academia has been both exhilarating and intimidating. I’ve confronted antiquated systems, questioned the pervasive influence of settler colonialism in museum spaces, and grappled with the emotional toll of pushing for systemic change. The work itself is necessary, even urgent, but it’s hard on the spirit. At times, I’ve felt like I was carrying this weight alone, unsure of how much of my burden I could or should share with others. A lingering trauma response, no doubt—I often hesitate to trust or to ask for help. Yet, this year has also gifted me with opportunities to expand my network, leading to powerful and affirming conversations. These connections have reminded me that I am not alone and have renewed my faith in the impact of this work. Balancing the demands of traveling, studying, volunteering, and family life has been challenging. While I feel blessed to be able to contribute to my community and grow professionally, the sacrifices have been real. I’ve missed moments with my children, felt stretched thin in my role as a spouse, and struggled to carve out time for my studio and creative practice. Still, despite these challenges, I completed four major projects this year—each one deeply personal and meaningful. "Ganawenindizo" Exhibit at the Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin Click here to read about the exhibit ganawenindizo-she-takes-care-of-herself.html "OJIIBIWAKAN" This painting, soon to be displayed at Lucile Packard's Stanford Medicine Children’s Health facilities in the new Cancer Infusion Center, located in Palo Alto, California, represents the resilience and vibrancy of my cultural identity. To see this work find a home in a space dedicated to healing is profoundly humbling. It’s a reminder of art’s potential to comfort and inspire, even across great distances. "Echoes of Turtle Mountain" Mural (Phase II) This project, completed at Turtle Mountain Head Start, is a love letter to my community and a visual tribute to our enduring traditions. The mural celebrates our interconnectedness with the land, sky, and generations past and future. For me, this piece is especially poignant because it resides in a space tied to my own formative years. To leave this legacy in the heart of Turtle Mountain fills me with pride and gratitude. "Radiant Harmony: The Spirit's Medicine" Created for Altru Health System’s Radiation department, this work weaves together threads of my culture, my health journey, and my family’s professional and personal passions. Inspired by my husband’s role as a Radiation Oncological Medical Physicist and my daughter’s interest in radiology, the piece reflects the healing energy of nature and the interconnectedness of science and spirit. Through these projects, I’ve been able to share pieces of my heart with the public, but the process hasn’t been without its trials. There were moments of heartbreak—times when the weight of expectations, rumors, assumptions, gossip, setbacks, or unhealed wounds felt overwhelming. I feel as I am grieving for the loss of hope and optimism. At the same time, there were moments of profound inspiration—when the power of art to heal and connect felt undeniable. As I reflect on these experiences, I find myself asking deep and difficult questions about my future. How do I continue to share my work with the community in a way that feels sustainable, both emotionally and logistically? How do I create space for my creative practice without losing sight of my other roles as a parent, partner, and advocate? Sometimes, the answers seem out of reach, leaving me wondering if my work belongs out in the world or if it should be confined to the quiet solace of my studio. The thought of retreating, of tucking my creations into storage, is both tempting and heartbreaking. Yet, I know the impact my art has had—not just on myself, but on those who’ve encountered it. Rest and the Radical Act of Pausing This year, I’ve also come to see how radical it feels to rest. I keep telling myself that I need to make time to pause, but in a world that prizes constant motion, it feels almost impossible. Recently, I experienced a rare evening with no obligations after 5 p.m. The freedom overwhelmed me to the point of near tears, which brought laughter to others because I simply shared that relief. Such a simple moment felt extraordinary, and it reminded me of how deeply ingrained this culture of busyness has become. And though people have their assumptions, I know that I need to make it a point to rest and not because my health or body is forcing me to, but like others, I deserve it as well. It’s been a while since I painted simply for myself, free from expectations. Even when I tell myself to take a step back, the push to “do more” lingers. I think of the disappointments, like my solo show at the Phipps Center for the Arts, where hopes of advancing professionally were met with expenses, no sales, and no future shows. Or the empty reception at the ND Human Rights Art Exhibit. These moments sting as they also push me to reassess and recalibrate. I will note, it was a wonderful experience to have a three gallery space not only to share my paintings, but installation art and poetry, inviting viewers to interact. How rare it is to possess a space where I can express myself fully. Carrying Forward Through all of this, I’ve seen the gifts of travel, the richness of connecting with people, and the insights gained from the spaces I’ve inhabited. These experiences have deepened my resolve to elevate others and help society see the relevancy of our work. I’ve also observed the collective exhaustion we’re all feeling. From conversations in Southern California to encounters with conference attendees, the weariness is evident. We carry burdens others often fail to see or empathize with, forgetting that we all deserve happiness—and the right to rest. These experiences also reminded me that boundaries are essential, even if they’re difficult to maintain. I’ve learned that while it’s important to give, it’s equally important to reserve some of my energy for myself and those I hold closest. I’m still figuring out how to balance these competing demands, but I remain hopeful that the journey ahead will bring clarity. It is a continual challenge to move forward in the spirit of altruism when I am not taking care of my own family through financial sustainibility. Yet, I will keep moving forward, just not at the pace others demand. For now, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to create, to connect, and to grow. I am forever thankful for the people who have supported and respected me authentically—those who quietly cheer from their spaces, offering encouragement in ways that are often unseen but deeply felt. Their belief in me has been a guiding light through this complex journey. 2024 has been a year of challenges, but it has also been a year of beauty and resilience. As I look toward the future, I am reminded of the strength of my community, the power of art, and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. Whatever comes next, I’ll continue to walk this path with purpose and an open heart. I truly wish you all the very best in your paths. Light and love to all, Hillary Ganawenindizo Exhibit at the Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, Wisconsin May 10-June 23, 2024
Guide to exploring Ganawenindizo
![]() Today, I am happy to announce as our new year begins as Anishinaabe people, the award of the 2023 Bush Fellowship. There is much to reflect on already, and the fellowship has not yet officially started. I don’t know if it has truly sunk in to say, “I am a 2023 Bush Fellow.” Last week, we went to the headquarters of the Bush Foundation, I was eager and nervous. Though I am not a morning person, I found myself walking around St. Paul before the cohort began, and there I came across another Bush Fellow- a very familiar face. We made some small talk, and then stated who would have thought the two of us would be there in that moment, together? Once upon a time, we were just two little scrappy rez kids, unsure of our future. For me, uncertain if there was a future. I was going through traumas in my teen years, already losing faith in myself, and in society. Yet, there were so many loving elders, including my late Grandmother- who always left her door unlocked in case someone needed a safe place to rest their head for a night and a warm pot of soup on the stove to feed their soul. (Often seasoned heavily with broth and pepper, which I often long for.) My grandparents did not have a large home, and they lived on a modest budget, yet that did not prevent generosity and kindness. Despite all the adversities they had gone through in their lives, it did not harden them, it taught them empathy, and to do what they can within their capacities. I am thankful for those lessons taught, which some have taken time to really settle into. Every step I have taken leading up to this specific junction in my life was influenced by many people. Some of the people have walked on into the spirit world. Some people walked alongside me or led me, which could have been for longer journeys, and some for very brief moments. There were also moments where I walked alone- but the point is, I continued forward. There were many moccasins worn on this journey, and I am thankful for that ability to adapt to what is needed. As I embark on this new endeavor, I am hoping I can continue to keep that pot of soup full and ready for whomever may need it. I am eager for this fellowship- as I intend to further my studies and explore. I will continue my work as an Independent artist as well. Miigwech, thank you, for all the continued support. Gigi-waabamin, see you later, Hillary Kempenich Upcoming events (Schedule May Change) Art in the Park, Watermark Art Center, Bemidji, MN July 15-16 Pollinator Festival, St. Paul, MN, August 6th SWAIA Indian Market, Santa Fe, NM August 19-20 Phipps Center for the Arts, May-July 2024 Continuing events North Dakota Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (Statewide) GROUNDED - CARAVAN Arts (National and International) 2023 is starting out incredibly busy here in the Midwest!
This week, in Fargo, ND, Plains Art Museum is the inaugural host to the 2023 North Dakota Human Rights Film & Arts Festival, a traveling exhibit. The continuation of Grounded via CARAVAN Arts is full speed ahead! From what I can see, the new gallery host has an incredibly beautiful space. Program and Reception is January 21 in Casper, WY. (Hopefully, I’ll be able to see the show someday!) And, Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, WI will debut their next exhibition February 24- April 9; the reception will be February 25. And, I am excited to announce a solo exhibition at the Phipps Center for the Arts in late spring through early summer of 2024! So while it may have seemed a bit quiet on the side of social media and website, it has been quite busy! If you are interested in sponsorship for travel and other costs accrued for me to participate, please contact me. (Delta gift cards can ease burden of travel, and it is our only airline in Grand Forks, ND.) Hope to see you all in one of these spaces! So here we are, entering 2nd anniversary of 2020... jokes. Sort of. Before the international New Year had taken place, I began thinking of creating a vision board as I am horrible with keeping track of goals along with being organized. I also wanted to review the things that have happened since last January. I finding it fascinating how fast the year had gone by, although we spent so much of it at home. And of course, I wonder how all of this experience will translate into my work as an artist, yet still processing so much of it.
Before I go any further, I mentioned the international New Year, as for many different cultures, our New Years take place at different times. Such as for us as Anishinaabe, the new year begins when the first spring blooms for berries blossom. Or so I was taught as a child, and to further that, we don't have 12 months, we have 13 moons in a year. So it is really interesting being part of society and aligning it all. I wonder if why my affinity for ode'imin (strawberries) is because it is truly the start of my new year. When I come across the new shoots during ziigwan as the soil begins to warm, I am absolutely delighted. The fondness of ode'imin grew as I learned the stories of ode'imin or heart berry. Deconstructing the word ode' means heart and -min refers to the berry. The strawberry is so fascinating as you take time to cultivate it, there's lessons learned... the relationship is reciprocal. I have many memories surrounding this fruit from my own childhood and even as a mother.. such as when I was passing on lessons of the birch tree and how to properly harvest the bark. As we finished that harvest, from the corner of my eye in the thick grasses did wild ode'imin appear. I quickly hopped into the thicket, saying thank you to the Creator, then sharing the sweetness and medicine of this berry with my spouse and youngest child. Moving forward, during the first year of the pandemic, I vividly recall cleaning the strawberry bed in my garden, soon a wetness was falling on them, it wasn't rain, but my eyes. I had been holding in so much sadness within, the relationship I created with this plant was allowing me to grieve. It wasn't just grief that created these tears but also relief to have something familiar and comforting at my knees. I had lost friends to death, some friendships ending in a time when I needed them the most. I know reciprocity lacks throughout society, but I always hoped I had it in relationships no matter the strength of the bond or lack thereof. Though the pandemic had caused a major shift in the world, it made an abrupt stop in my work as an artist, these loss of friendships, deaths, and so forth were shattering enough, I was busy being a mother trying to keep it together for my children. My eldest struggling with severe anxiety and major depression with suicidal ideation hit us months before COVID had, and I didn't know how to help her. I was thankful despite the isolation, that these plants were there to provide the comfort I didn't know I needed. Oddly, I do believe the pandemic lockdown was a gift in a sense because it gave the quiet my child needed. Long before these struggles hit my child, I would advocate for access to adequate mental health care, and due to this advocacy, I was well aware of the challenges we were facing to find her the support she needs. It is physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting as a mother to watch their child helplessly; I cannot begin to fathom how draining it is for someone that struggles with mental health as she does. And as I try to help her, I need help, guidance and love as well so I can be that strength for her as well as the rest of my family. Although I may not find that in others, its understanding the plants and our environment that helps me heal over and over again. Perhaps like ode'imin, my energy is dormant for sometime, and then flourishes under the right circumstances and provides to others as needed. And for those curious, after everything she has experienced in her young life which I haven't fully disclosed, she is wrapping up her senior year and hopefully graduating rather soon. I see similarities in my own childhood experiences and what she has experienced, I hope that once this moment in her life is completed, she can move on and move forward. Well, that was an unexpected tangent, but an important one. In a sense perhaps it rolls into the reflections of this past year. I can't pinpoint a lot of specifics to the year of 2021 in this moment. Yet I do know, I've allowed myself to heal from trauma, which is complicated. A year ago, I decided to take a step back from being so vocal in my advocacy on social media, though the work never stopped. I've just approached things differently. Some of those friendships that ended also helped me realign myself, realizing how unhealthy the friendships were. I am far from saying that these individuals are bad or horrible, but I understand just some energies don't mix well. Some can also amplify negative energies. Or you can see their light being diminished by others, refusing to acknowledge what is happening to them. And though we can share what we are witnessing, that is as far as it goes. It is ultimately up to individuals to make choices for themselves. That is where I also deviate into discussing a part of healing that may or not take a lifetime. Late this spring, I received a message from an old high school friend. We chat sporadically throughout the years, and they're friends with my siblings; so I think nothing of the situation and answer. He starts making small talk and then says, "guess who I'm here with." I believe I held my breath and a surge of negative energy overwhelmed me. I knew what he meant. He meant he was hanging with a former abuser of mine. I stated I don't want to talk to the friend right now and that I do not want to get into this game. Then my phone rang. I was infuriated, I thought it was the friend, and I was prepared to tell him how horrible of a friend he is to do that to me. Instead I heard another voice. My heart sank. I panicked. I was dizzy. I know expletives came from my mouth as I say to never contact me again and that I had made that abundantly clear (and repetitively) over the years. After hanging up, I called my parents in tears, why won't this person stop? It's been 20 years, twenty years, and they won't stop. I moved away, despite hardships as anyone else may experience, I am happy. I am living a good life. I am working hard to break the cycle of intergenerational traumas. I know that's hard for many to accept, thus perhaps why they try to poison it. I know people didn't understand why I reacted that way, but I never talked about the abuse I experienced. It took me a long time to come admit that I was a mentally abusive relationship that it was also physically abusive. I choose not to discuss details publicly and that is my choice. I know many attempt to force the conversation, it isn't to help me heal, but to take advantage of the situation. And those trying to know more I feel are attempting to break me; the behavior is an ugly pattern for some. Which I know is why I struggle in any sort of relationship and have anxiety in social spaces. The abuse extends out into community by predators like this who manipulate others- such as I should be able to visit family, friends and community members without this person's name be brought into a conversation, which would happen a lot. I use to often just respond with a "what a weirdo" because I wasn't comfortable sharing my story. In that moment, I decided to take that power away that attempted to have by being more vocal and I shared on my social media for this person to stop harassing me. Naturally, I had a few people try to inbox me about it in form of an attack or criticize me. What I didn't expect is others who were also abused, harassed, and/or stalked contact me as well. So here I was trying to heal myself but having to be supportive to others. Sadly, the abuser still frequents my family's business establishment- which at this point, is clearly incredibly inappropriate and there is silence by many. I shouldn't have to exploit the abuse and relive the pain I faced to receive respect in wishes that this person just stops making any contact with me or my family. And, I wish others would respect my wishes by stop bringing it up to me- they do not realize they are perpetuating harm as well. Yet again, I do not have control of others, I cannot always control situations, but I have a choice in how I respond. And I will never regret coming forward that I am a survivor, though the details are not for others to know nor do I wish to relive them either. I didn't expect it would take 20 years to share some of my story, and it only happened due to the continued unwanted contact/stalking taking place. I do hope though by the honesty I have shared, that it will help others to get out of their abusive situations. I am thankful that the frequent nightmares which caused insomnia have subsided after all this time. If I could wish away those experiences, I would, however, it most certainly has helped me be a better human- especially in a world where technology has created it so much easier for abusers to harm others. It helps me take pause, where so many are easily swept into frenzies since it's so much easier to feast on negative energy versus creating positive energies. Without a doubt, my experiences as a child, teenager, and young woman has molded my artwork and my advocacy. I want to ensure we are celebrated and respected as Indigenous women by all, including ourselves. It has taken so much time to love myself, and I want to be sure that others can do the same. While some find what I do mediocre, once again, if my work can be a catalyst for change, I will do what I can within my capacity. Which is an important lesson in itself. For so long, I have given so much energy protecting others that I wasn't protecting myself. It's taken so much time to find balance. Amongst that, it has been a challenging year career wise in terms of making a livable wage, though the work has not stopped. I still contribute to nonprofits, I volunteer time/advice/knowledge, I am continually developing the small micro business Zazegaa Designs, I am pleasantly surprised at my ability to do digital graphics slowly. Ultimately though, I really turned my time to helping my children as they homeschooled last spring, and help them transition back into school. It hasn't been easy by any means. Thankfully we went with our gut after some professional advice that discouraged us to transfer our child out of the school that was an unhealthy environment for her. She is only a few weeks into the new alternative school and thriving with the new support system. As suicide and mental health issues continue to escalate, it only has become a bigger challenge to find what she needs. I do believe we have her on a better path now. So with that, the vision board I have created is not only for myself but how to help one another in our home as we continue to survive during this pandemic. I am excited as I am developing my vision board, I already have some of it taking place. Soon, some of my artwork will be up on a billboard for hundreds, if not thousands to see. I hope the work is inspiring and well received. Although, it is about the pandemic and making choices to keep ourselves as well as community safe. So there will be naturally criticisms as well. I just wrapped up a commission and really enjoyed utilizing the new found skills of digital art. I began exploring the world of art; I wanted to work as a curator, but as life would have it, I didn't find the guidance I was seeking long ago, but never gave up that hope. With that said, I am a guest curator and details will come soon. I do have to say that the show is though I hope to be very uplifting is also emotional, and having me process other traumas experienced in my life. I didn't realize how much it would impact me until I began working on some thoughts before we make the announcement. It will be good for me and it will be good for others. Art is an integral part of healing in my life, and so I am thankful that I have so many ways to express myself. I do have to admit the micro business, as fun as it is, I yearn to be in the studio experimenting, painting, and building. There is something important of that fluidity and access to full creative expression versus wondering if something will sell. With that all this being shared, it is time to take a break, and back to working. So much more to come. I want to continue to harness good energy, I will continue to walk away from negative energy. I want light and love to be a constant in my life. I want that for others as well. Stay safe and stay healthy. Please get vaccinated and get boosters. Encourage others to do the same. Please continue to practice good hygiene, wear masks in crowded spaces, be honest about health, and get tested regularly. Peace and love to all. Happy New Year La Bonne Année ![]() Several hours ago, I had learned that the President of the United States, President Joe Biden, has declared October 11, 2021 as Indigenous Peoples Day for the first time in history, along with restoring protections of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts. Ecstatically I shared the news, while at the same time, there was a mix of emotions. Columbus Day, or also known as Discovery Day, has not been repealed. And though this news is met with joy, there is yet still pause, because there is so much work to do. I hope in the near future, we will have those changes created to abolish Columbus Day, and to replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day. As this information came to me, processing it... I definitely hit memory lane. I immediately thought of my daughters who both have advocated for this, along with correcting how history was presented in their schools. My eldest, now a senior in high school, had voiced her concerns with educators, sharing the experiences with me as well. Her younger sister, an 8th grade student, was often listening, and absorbing that energy her sister had to be not only a voice for themselves, but for others. I recall when my eldest was in elementary school, coming home with an "art collage project" where it was a ship in the ocean. It was for a Christopher Columbus project where they painted an ocean then, pasting a ship made of construction paper over it. When she got into our vehicle, as her little sister was buckled into her car seat, the eldest says quietly, "mama, can I throw this away?" I glance at it, and say, why do you want to throw it away. She says how she didn't like doing the project, and didn't like that people called Columbus a hero, nor did he discover what is now known as the Americas. I sighed, saddened that she was put in this position. I thought back to my own experience in elementary school, which was on Turtle Mountain reservation, and thought how weird it was even then that we celebrated Columbus. I didn't even need history books or others to tell me the damage he caused our Indigenous peoples, although, as I got older and did my own research, it was quite horrific to know how horrible this human was. I will say my school that I attended at that time was transitioning from Catholic nuns being our educators; I do not know if that had anything to do with how history was presented to us as children. I eventually was able to transfer schools, and there was a noticeable difference. (Even then I was also advocating for my own education.) So, going back to my child, after listening to what she had to say, I carefully said that yes, if she feels that strongly, she can throw the work away. But, I didn't stop the conversation, I had stated when she is in those positions in the future, to use her voice. Don't be afraid to talk to the teachers, and if needed, seek another adult to talk to such as the principal. What I hadn't realized, was our youngest was absorbing that conversation, and learning how to also use her voice. This had taken place as I began to pursuit my career in the arts, though, I had been doing some independent advocacy work prior to, this moment really help create a stronger development of my art work along with knowing the importance to be that squeaky wheel as some called me. I understood that my artwork can serve communities in so many ways. I believe creating artwork is therapeutic and inspirational. I was already celebrating my children in my paintings, but I began widening the audiences and expanding the conversations. Years had gone by, our youngest was now in elementary school. From that moment where our eldest had declared her discomfort of how history was being presented, we ensured we talked to the teachers at the meet & greets. Some appreciated the conversations, asked for help, educated themselves, others, well, it would be met with resistance. When we were at a Parent Teacher Conference, we were looking through papers of our daughters... and we came across this one paper that caught my attention immediately. She had written it earlier that spring, when she was in first grade, doing an introduction of herself to her second grade teacher. I was pleasantly surprised to see what it had contained. The last statement was that she does not celebrate Columbus. I found it amazing how she held on to that conversation her sister and I had years ago, and learned how to be vocal when necessary. (This goes for a lot of experiences they both experience in schools and other spaces. Over the years, we as a family and individuals, had many conversations with others, whether on social media, in public spaces, in our homes, with friends, families, meetings, and so on, the importance of Indigenous Visibility as well as sharing the truth of the horrors created by Columbus. Yes the conversations can be difficult, there is a lot of emotional labor along with time. I often call this seed planting, creating those conversations, giving information, sharing those ideas, and watch them grow. My artwork is often inspired by what I have observed and experienced, which often is including my daughters, and my hopes is that my artwork also inspires others to join the efforts we all are participating in. Change for the betterment of society. This particular conversation of Indigenous Peoples Day has been taking place for so long, and I'm glad we are one small part of continuing on the conversations and acting on them to contribute to a wider effort led by hundreds, if not thousands of people collectively. I am so thankful for all those who have done their part to keep pushing this forward; and the work will continue. I think back to the people I've spoken to in addition to educators, whether they're government officials, which includes Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaaland, non-profits, influencers, sincere allies, individuals, loved ones, not so loved ones (haha)- and its amazing to know how many are listening. I also think back to my former students when I worked with the Artist in the Classroom program, knowing the impact being made in those spaces as well. Two years ago, we were finally able to have our community proclaim Indigenous Peoples Day, it was once again a joyous moment. That summer, once again, our youngest daughter bravely stood before the city council, requesting this change alongside many others. She represented not only herself, but her family, friends and community, through the inspiration of her older sister. I do want to reiterate, we are not the only ones who have put in a lot of effort in creating these changes, but I want to share a small glimpse into the work that has been done by one small family, for an incredibly long time. And though, I am thankful for this proclamation, there is so much work to do in terms of representation and reparations for our Indigenous Peoples. So, take it in this historical milestone, but acknowledge there is so much more work to be done. (I do not mean that Indigenous people should be obligated to put in financial, emotional and spiritual labor for events on Indigenous Peoples Day unless they truly want to, as I see that we are often demanded or expected to. And I hope people do not criticize Indigenous people by assuming they aren't doing the work... I've observed this for many years, and that defeats the work we are doing.) There is room for everyone to do what they can, within their capacity, and please know that it makes changes. Anyway, I can keep talking about this... but this mama is a bit exhausted. It's Fri-yay, time to spend time with my loved ones. Thank you everyone being inspired, and creating inspiration. ᓰᑾᓐ᙮ Ziigwan It is spring. And this particular spring, had a particular significance. An incredible significance, filled with gratitude. This particular Anishinaabe new year seems to take on a new role, the optimism is present but I am cautious with it. As Anishinaabe, we believe the east is where we come from, we began our journey from the stars to become physically present here on earth. We begin our journey with gifts, that of which includes the sacred gift of Asema, or tobacco, to share our gratitude. This past year has been hard on so many of us around the world. So as the thawing of Aki begins here where I live along the Red River with my family, ready to I start anew, ready to move forward- here I am, getting my second Pfizer vaccination on the first day of spring, in hopes it will provide protection not only for me, but for my family, and for the communities I am part of. A lot of emotion came through me, as a child I once was hospitalized for a dangerous virus which infected me, and there were no vaccinations until 20 years later, upon the birth of my first child. Memories overwhelmed as I remember the moments of the sickness, fear and isolation. It is a blessing we have come so far in our sciences, for which I am incredibly thankful for. There’s a bittersweet beginning to this new year, we have lost so much, yet perhaps we if we haven’t grown in the hardships that we’re bestowed onto us yet, that maybe now in this moment we are ready to do that now as the earth begins to warm and life begins to reawaken. My seedings have quickly sprouted, indicating that they too are ready for new life just as much as we are. I hear the phrase, "ready to get back to normal." However, I wonder if we ever had a "normal," as it seems it was more about comfort and familiarity. We maybe have lived a little too confidently, and the pandemic exposed the true vulnerability of the world. Though some have chosen to ignore a global epiphany, many have seen the importance of one another, that we all carry social capital. I am incredibly thankful for those who worked so hard to keep everyone safe, informed, sacrificing so much this year by isolating, and those supportive to one another. The pandemic isn’t over, so we must continue our due diligence. Provide accurate information, continue with mask wearing, practice social distancing, proper hygiene, stay home when sick, and so forth. We will move forward fast, grow faster, if we are actively supportive and compliant with such basic steps. While we may have our vaccines, there are people who do not have the privilege nor access to this vaccine. That includes our littles. I do not know what is in store for me in my career, as the trajectory continually is molded as our environment shifts. Career plans are being altered and adapting for feasibility. There is an unknown as a creative person right now, but I continue to create in the various mediums that I work with. Despite the hardships, it has been also exciting in the sense of exploration as well. I am happily welcoming in this new year with gratitude and humility. Great each sunrise with a song of gratitude. Happy Spring. Be Safe. -Hillary Kempenich BooZhoo, Aniin, friends, art enthusiasts and curious minds. 2020 is coming to a close, and I welcome it greatly, like many. The beginning of the year began turbulent yet had promise. I was fortunate to visit Washington, D.C. for the first Native Arts and Culture Summit. It was exciting and a blessing to be in a space of like minded creatives. Little did I know that at that time, the COVID-19 had been introduced to the soil on Turtle Island, or North America. Quickly, the world was flipped upside down for all of us. My thoughts and ideas for growing within the arts were tucked away, as I needed to focus on the well-being of my family. At the beginning of 2020, I was also able to create beautiful work by collaborating with a dear friend, mentor and Laguna Pueblo metalsmith Pat Pruitt. The set was unique and one of a kind limited edition. We hope to collaborate in the near future. The experience and challenge reaffirmed that I would like to continue a path of merging designs from painting and utilize technology to create unique pieces. More Indigenous artists are empowered to create micro-businesses or more, allowing us to have control of how we are represented while creating sustainability. Well, we would like to hope I suppose. 2020 has been a challenge for many small businesses, whether it is starting a new small business, expanding a small business or frankly, being sustainable. While PPP loans were made available, not everyone was approved of them. Self employment in the arts was minimal. However, I was very thankful for organizations like First Peoples Fund, NDN Collective, The Soze Foundation, and the North Dakota Arts Council which their grants were able to offset costs to invest in my arts business. I recently was able to invest in a laser cutter to further my line "Zazegaa Designs by Hillary Kempenich." The line includes jewelry, clothing and home goods, which I integrated into my family shared Etsy page. (Kempenich Studios) Originally, I was hoping to have work carried in boutiques, however with the pandemic creating shut downs, I have been limited in expanding the line for now. I am eager to advance my experience with this technology to utilize also for art installations. I do have work that can be found at Watermark Art Center in Bemidji, MN and at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids, MN that is available for purchase. Due to the pandemic, most of my schedule for 2020 was shut down. Originally shows and markets were postponed but we have not been able to reopen venues safely. I am thankful for fellow artists helping one another out, whether its words of encouragement, positive word of mouth, or sharing opportunities. Two of my recent works are now a part of the third Bring Her Home at the All My Relations art gallery in Minneapolis, MN. The show will be made available online to ensure safety for viewers. Like many across the world, we have lost so much- sense of self, security, and stability. Every day we appreciate the air in our lungs and we have been able to maintain a healthy home, especially as my husband works in healthcare. We lost friends and acquaintances, and have watched our loved ones lose family. It has been a helpless feeling. We try to accept what we cannot change, while being responsible by isolating in our home as much as possible, while using masks when we leave. It is simply the least we can do for others and for ourselves in a world of extreme chaos. With that, I wish everyone well. Blessings and good energy to all. |
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