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Happy Holidays from First Nations Development Institute

Happy Holidays
from
First Nations Development Institute

Tłáaxw iyáshashani iwámta imaamiyawái chnmíki chmti anwíchtpa

“May you have many blessings come to you this New Year”

Ichishkiin Language – translated by the Cultural and Heritage Program of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

Happy holidays from the Board and Staff of First Nations Development Institute.
We express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for those who have generously supported us
this year and over our 39 years of being a catalyst in Indian Country.

Together, we are making a positive difference in Native American communities across the U.S.

Thank you!

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ABOUT THE ART

“A Winter’s Dream” by Emily “Latayat” Courtney

Emily’s mother-daughter paintings are a reflection of the cherished relationships she holds with her own mother and daughter. Emily doesn’t recall a day when her mother wasn’t working long hours for the tribe to help support her family and reach her own career goals. Emily also treasures the memories of her mother raising Emily and her five siblings in a house where a strong work ethic, love, and an open door to family and those in need were highly valued. Emily remembers her mother seeking advice from her grandmother about ways to keep her children busy and out of trouble. Emily’s grandmother responded, “Make ‘em go dance Pow Wow, make them practice dancing!” And that’s what her mother did. Emily’s mother is her rock and also her inspiration in raising her own daughter, Anna Queen Courtney, and it’s important to Emily that she honors her mother and the essential role a mother plays in raising children in her paintings. Emily’s message for her mother is, “Thank you, Mom. I love you.”

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Emily “Latayat” Courtney is the Arts Business and Marketing Specialist for the Warm Springs Community Action Team and Tananáwit: A Community of Warm Springs Artists, both of which are Native-led nonprofits and First Nations’ Native Arts Initiative grantees. She is also a self-taught artist who began creating art in 2017. She never imagined that something she just wanted to try would turn into something she loves and, as she describes it, “an idea you leave on a canvas.” Emily specializes in acrylic paint and has recently taken an interest in photography.

2432 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Longmont, Colorado 80501

(303) 774-7836
info@firstnations.org

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