"The people of the various Fish clans are teachers and scholars. These are people who share skills and develop healthy spirits in others. Sometimes, the ish clan can be counted on to help resolve disputes between leaders and ch fs of the Winged clans. This painting points out how no one acts alone, th leadership requires an educated and supportive system to function. The c system is not about hierarchies, but rather balance and the appreciation of everyone's unique gifts." -Mike Alexander is an emerging Anishinaabe artist originally from Swan Lake First Nation in Treaty #1 territory, who lives on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. His spiritual name is Animikianikwad, or Thundercloud Man. A member of the Crane Clan, Mike's art serves to communicate stories and teachings of the Ojibway people
