Aakwa'ode'ewin - Courage

Along the banks of a life-giving river, under a night sky ablaze with colorful, stylized stars and planets, walks Makwa, the Bear, a powerful embodiment of Aakwa'ode'ewin, Courage. This painting, the first in a series on the Seven Grandfather Teachings, celebrates the strength, bravery, and unwavering spirit needed to face life's challenges with integrity.

Aakwa'ode'ewin, Courage, teaches us to meet life head-on, just as the Mother Bear faces all the challenges of survival and meeting the needs of her young. It calls upon us to find balance between rest, survival, and play, recognizing the importance of nurturing both our physical and spiritual well-being. The river, ziibi, represents the flow of life, urging us to navigate its currents with courage and resilience. The stars, anangokaa, symbolize the guidance and wisdom of the ancestors, shining down upon us and illuminating our path.

Rendered in acrylics, this artwork seeks to capture the essence of Aakwa'ode'ewin, reminding us that true courage lies not only in defending ourselves but also in standing up for our community with dignity and respect at all times. It is through Aakwa'ode'ewin that we find the strength within ourselves to be true to who we are, to embrace our unique gifts, and to live a life of purpose and meaning