"This digitally created piece called 'Turtle's Protection' is circular in shape, much like Mother Earth and the Medicine Wheel. Cradled inside of a turtle shell, a baby lies sleeping - blanketed and protected by Mother Earth's flora.
The turtle shell and moss bag represent the protection, love, security, and truth that our children need today. Above is Mother Earth, arching over the child and the shell; her nature is the final barrier of protection that each precious child deserves.
Seven small and simple stars float above the child and within the circle. The stars are representative of seven generations of desdendants. This concept is important to the continued survival of the nehiyaw, as leaders and chiefs would need to think about the effects and consequences of their actions seven generations ahead."
- James Desjarlais
James Desjarlais is an aspiring Indigenous artist, born and raised in Saskatoon. As a Cree/Saulteaux male and father, he has been given many teachings and experiences from his ancestors and elders. He has personally felt the intergenerational trauma from residential schools and systemic racism and has grown up in an environment where these challenges were present in his home and the homes of his friends and peers.
Every art piece James creates is drawn from the lessons and teachings that have been passed down to him. He has been greatly inspired by his own personal history with the residential school system and the damage systemic racism has caused.
James believes that, through art, he can create meaningful and lasting change in Saskatoon, in Canada, and in the world at large.
