When I am out wandering the woods, I am always delighted when I come across newly chewed and felled trees from amikwag (beavers). They are among some of my favorite awensiinyag (animal) relatives. These little manidoog (spirits) hold such an incredible place in the natural world as they can change ecosystems through building dams that can last many years. Sadly, one of their greatest threats are ma’iinganag (wolves), who love to ambush them when they leave the safety of the nibi (water).
While hiking in Tettegouche State Park, I recently saw a beautiful amikwiish (beaver lodge), which inspired me to do my first amik (beaver) painting. When beginning this piece, I was originally going to show the amik (beaver) on the shore. However, as I worked, the spirit of the piece changed. I decided to show the relationship of the ma’iingan mikonizhikaw (wolf flushing/chasing his prey), while the amikwag (beavers) are safe in their amikwiish (beaver lodge). The ma’iingan (wolf) keeps a watchful eye along the shore, waiting under the twilight sky.