The Atheana Picha Tamarack is part of the Manitobah Artist Series, a collaboration between Manitobah and a select group of talented artists from across Turtle Island. This collaboration aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and artistic diversity of Indigenous communities through the creation of wearable art. Crafted with full grain leather and sheepskin lining, each step embodies luxury and comfort. Atheana Picha, a Coast Salish artist, intricately depicts blackfish, orcas, symbolizing familial bonds and emotional intelligence. Her design includes stars guiding us through interconnected territories, reflecting Coast Salish teachings of resilience and navigation.
About the Art
"Blackfish, orcas, killer whales. This design is acknowledging our finned relatives. They travel far, together, and are highly emotionally intelligent beings. Family is important to them, as they hunt together, sing to each other, and mourn for their loved ones. We find teachers everywhere. In our oceans, we find teachings of strength and reminders of our responsibility to walk softly and with respect. We see their values of family, persistence, and joy.
Blackfish remind me of our power, and how when we strengthen our mind we can do anything. The stars represent our systems of navigation, and our relationship to all levels of territory. The sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, shores, and forests. And stewards of this territory, we must do our best to be strong, humble, and kind." - Atheana Picha
