Chalene Raymond (Confederated Tribes of Siletz)

Digital Media

This year’s artwork is We Stand Together Always.

"I designed this piece of art based on my learning about Native relations and cultures. My knowledge consists of learning that it takes a community to keep Native culture alive and well. As for the individual pieces in the picture, each has a different significance. The wolf is because I have learned that in many Native cultures, the wolf represents education, family ties, understanding, good communication, and loyalty. The medicine wheel represents another shared idea between Native communities, in that each color represents important elements to the the community. The direction and placement of each of the four colors varies from sovereign nation. The tree represents life because most Native communities believe that trees are an integral part of life. The two Native languages, Dee-Ni and Anishinaabemowin, are my tribe's language and the language of a friend I have made in the Native Community; the words in the medicine wheel are a rough translation of the two languages."

Chalene Raymond, an alum of Sapsikwala received her MEd in Elementary Education in 2020.