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Embraced

As a descendant of the Cree and Saulteaux peoples of Peguis and Brokenhead First Nations, my design is deeply rooted in the sacred relationships my ancestors maintained with the bison. The bison, both revered and respected, was an essential symbol of life, sustainability, and nurturing care. This artwork is an exploration of that bond, capturing the bison’s symbolic role in our shared history and its continued significance today.

At the center of my design is the image of a baby in a cradleboard, traditionally crafted from hide and bison bone tools. This representation speaks to the bison’s role as a protector and a provider, honoring the devotion of guardians who care for the most vulnerable among us. Surrounding the baby, roots extend outward, symbolizing our deep, enduring connection to the earth. This grounding connection is further celebrated through native Manitoban wildflowers, like goldenrod and prairie crocus, illustrating the vital relationship between care, growth, and renewal.

The vibrant sunset backdrop adds to the symbolism, capturing the delicate balance between reflection and the hope of new beginnings. This moment of transition, where one cycle ends and another begins, mirrors the bison’s own seasonal rhythms and reminds us that every ending carries within it the potential for a new start. The use of golden hues pays homage to the bison’s place on the Manitoban flag, further acknowledging its importance to the identity and spirit of the province.

As a new mother, I find a personal resonance in the bison’s unwavering loyalty to its herd, particularly its fierce protection of the young and vulnerable. This maternal connection influences my design, where twelve moons appear on the rear of the bison. These moons represent not only the nine months of pregnancy but also the four months of sacred postpartum time—a sacred phase that binds mother and child in an intimate, divine relationship. A significant feature in my design is the prairie crocus, known as the “bison belly button flower” because it grows low to the ground in the prairie fields, closely associated with the bison. On one side, the prairie crocus is encircled by silhouettes of adult bison in yellow, gathered around a white bison calf. This imagery is both a tribute to the bison’s instinct to protect their young by forming a strong outer circle and placing the vulnerable at the center, as well as a reference to the sacred story of the white buffalo calf—an emblem of renewal and transformation.

Through this artwork, I aim to honor the bison’s legacy and its enduring role as a symbol of care, protection, and the cyclical nature of life. It is my hope that this design resonates with the community, reminding us all of the sacred bonds we share with the earth, our ancestors, and each other.

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Artist: Annie Beach