Entwined florals, mirrored design, and the depiction of life stages evoke the beautiful glass beadwork and quillwork of the artist’s ancestors, the Métis Flower Beadwork People. The red ribbon encircling the work honours the Métis gifting tradition, representing that the recipient is held in great esteem. The species are native to, or entirely dependent on, garry oak meadows, an endangered habitat. This piece celebrates a whole-system perspective, combining historical human design with the ecosystems that carry us along our ways.

A Note from the artist: “I have chosen to incorporate my Michif language for painting titles when I am able. My Grandmother spoke a little of the Cree-Michif, and Chinook trade language of her family and so I am making an effort to help language revitalization at home and in community.”