Artist Statement for Etuaptmumk

Oki, I am from the Siksika Nation, part of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

I am a 17-year-old artist from the Siksika Nation, and this piece is the result of walking the path of Two-Eyed Seeing—a philosophy that encourages us to view the world through both Indigenous knowledge and Western science and technology.

This 3D-printed buffalo, or iinii, is a symbol of resilience, survival, and sacred connection to the land in Blackfoot culture. I spent over a month modeling it using Blender and Onshape, balancing traditional form with modern technique in the shaping and modeling process. The printing process took four full days, followed by careful hand-painting in earthy and ceremonial colours to reflect both realism and reverence.

Through this work, I aim to show that Indigenous youth can carry both tradition and technology with pride. Art doesn’t have to choose between old and new—it can be both. By sharing this sculpture, I hope to inspire others in my community to explore their creativity, embrace one's identity, and see that every individual's stories deserve to be seen and celebrated.

Instagram: @Luxurious_Locomotive