I learned recently about the history of the 5 Civilized Tribes owning slaves. In this artwork I wanted to give recognition that both Native Americans and Black Americans, who were owned by the tribes, have a shared trauma regarding racism and land displacement. Colonization at large has created a system of hierarchy, control, and disruption of balance within all nations. When I was younger I used to think of the Trail of Tears as only a Native history, but illustrating more details and including Black Relatives changes the narrative in Indian country. As a person who is Black and Native this artwork holds a multilayered significance and describes how marginalized my people are. More importantly, it shows how systems created by European Colonizers has created systems of oppression amongst the oppressed. I am glad to see that this history is being acknowledged within the Cherokee Nation and I am in hopes that this will create unity by learning from mistakes.
Materials: Digital print.
Size: 4" x 4" x 0.5"