Celestial beings have always been central and peripheral figures in my artwork. I recently completed a hand-drawn animated film titled Madweyaashkaa: Waves Can Be Heard, which premiered in Minneapolis at St. Anthony Falls in the form of a 150' light projection, only to travel to Duluth and become a projection event in the Summer of 2021. The piece was inspired by themes of Indigenous women's resilience, in particular during the pandemic, and featured voiceover by Dakota elder Millie Richard reflecting on ways in which Native people could regain a sense of connection in this time of separation. Of focus in that piece was grandmother moon, a figure who is present for Indigenous people no matter where we live on this earth. Another figure was grandfather sun, who I illustrated wearing a veteran's ballcap.

My work for Gifts of the Northern Sun channeled the grandfather sun figure again, this time with rays connecting to a hand offering asemaa in prayer and gratitude for the gifts he provides. Sprouting from the arm is life in all forms, from the plants, to the animals, to the water. The sun itself also features markers of the 4 directions on it. The piece is an illustration of interconnectedness and a reminder to offer gratitude to the spirits and beings who allow us as humans to coexist with them on this earth.

This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings. It will keep your drink of choice hot or cold for hours. It also features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car's cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in your bag for any time you get thirsty.

• High-grade stainless steel
• 17 oz (500 ml)
• Dimensions: 10.5″ × 2.85″ (27 × 7 cm)
• Vacuum flask
• Double-wall construction
• Bowling pin shape
• Odorless and leak-proof cap
• Insulated for hot and cold liquids (keeps the liquid hot or cold for 6 h)
• Patented ORCA coating for vibrant colors
• Hand-wash only (dishwasher not recommended due to vacuum seal)
• Blank product sourced from China

Disclaimer: Keeping water in the bottle for over 24 hours is unhygienic and can result in an unpleasant smell.