"After I moved from Manitoba to BC, I became lonely for the animals that live where I used to. As grateful to be where I am now, I needed to bring some old friends along to keep my company. I think of the marsh, grasslands, and the lakes that I grew up knowing. I am very happy to capture Eagle, Bear and Moose together because they remind me of my own unique connection with the natural world represented by this painting." -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
