Drummer with Spirit Helpers

2017
Pen and ink on archive quality watercolour paper
18” x 24”

I like to believe that the Tulugak is my spirit animal. The morning I finished this drawing I went outside to see the red sky in the east; there were several outside our house...

I also like to believe that my father's grandfather's grandfather had drummed, had listened to the voice of the land, observed and interpreted the movements and cycle of the animals that fed him and his family.

A nomadic people; we were hurt greatly during the forced relocation and resettlement to Rigolet from our outlying seasonal homes. We were forced to forget the drum, the voice of the land and to respect the animals...

I like to think that I am bringing myself closer to that long ago time, at least in spirit. I like to think that I can almost remember being closer to a spiritual world, that maybe I can honour my father's grandfather's grandfather's memory in what I create.

Uvunga Tulugak

I'd like to be sometime