Heart Berry's Howes "Bringing Back Mamahood" in new Headwaters Foundation for Justice Calendar

"Transformation as an Anishinaabekwe is returning.  Every move has been made to remove us from our hearts, our lands, and our breath.  When we return to our ways, our language, and our ceremonies, and who we truly are we transform not into something new but into something ancient.  We become that which we grieved and raged and sobbed and longed for.  A memory. We are returning because our grandmother's kept themselves safe for us.  This is our work."

Howes draws on motherhood and her own work to reclaim her identity often in her art.  In the Ojibwe Floral Tradition, Howes was taught to use plants as reminders to remind about the importance of our gifts.  In this piece the mama carries her baby in the oldest way. "We are always carrying the future forward" Howes says.  As with our recent Next Generation pin with Eighth Generation. 

With fond memories of carrying her own babies Howes reminds us that our ways are ancient and wait for us.  But also to honor all of those who never had the chance. We return for them too. We have returned.

For more information about custom art email us at info@heartberry.com