Ćkin sn̓k̓lip qees sw̓xʷap (How Coyote Took Fire)

Ć𝘬𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘯̓𝘬̓𝘭𝘪𝘱 𝘲𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘸̓𝘹ʷ𝘢𝘱 (𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘊𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘦), Acrylic on panel, 18"x18", 2025

The world used to be cold and dark, but coyote saw no need for fire until he saw the people struggle. Coyote plotted to steal fire from the fire keepers and deliver it to humans. Coyote stole their fire, and was chased by the spirits. Coyote passed the flame to wolf, who passed it to squirrel, who passed it to frog, who then put what little bit of fire remained onto wood, thus creating fire for the people.

This story is about helping others even if you won’t benefit. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to stand up for what’s right and help others who don’t have the resources or privileges to do so. We are all human no matter who we are or where we came from.