Lyman Moore Middle School

I wanted to portray the relationships and energy connections between the land, our people, the rivers, our culture, and Mother Nature.

I used the 4 fish (pollock, salmon, bass, and trout) as representation for the Wabanaki tribes in Maine (Passamaquoddy, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot, and Maliseet). The turtle represents the traditional turtle island creation stories regarding the land and how our people came to be here. The canoe and its patterning represent travel and our culture; the medicine wheels represent the spiritual side and interconnectedness we all share; and the double curve motifs along the border represent balance and unity among nations. I chose the color purple for the turtle and the eyes of the fish to subtly bring forth the awareness of the crown chakra and the connection to spirit and universe.

I’m very pleased with Portland Public Schools for allowing me the space to share my art as a teaching tool and Wabanaki land acknowledgement. I’m also thankful for the work they are doing in their new and improved Native American curriculum!