2024 Career Fair Art
Kali Eagle-Speaker
"Isawaao'ohtoo"
Oki, my name is Kalli Eagle Speaker and I am an alumnus of the University of Lethbridge with my BASc. degree (Psychology and Indigenous Studies, 2021) and MEd. degree (Counselling Psychology, 2024).
This original artwork is entitled "Isawaao'ohtoo" in Blackfoot which translates to "change.” Isawaao’ohtoo is a compilation of original artwork created using original drawings and digital media mediums, and inspiration directly from the artist’s experience as a contemporary style and original style jingle dress dancer.
In the spirit of innovation, change and growth, from both a personal and professional perspective, the artwork reflects two jingle dress dancers, one in a contemporary jingle dancing style in the blue and colourful ribbon, and another in the original style of jingle dress dancing with a simpler outfit. This is meant to reflect the synchronization of the dancers, similar to how two or more things happen, develop, and move at the same time, such as our own growth and development. Furthermore, the jingle dress dancers also represent the act of innovation, in which the original style of jingle dress dancing, depicted on the right, was the first style of jingle introduced followed by a newer, modern version of jingle dress dancing called “contemporary” style.
Surrounding the artwork are seven colourful flowers, four of which are in bloom with leaves, and three without. The symbolization of this piece also represents the personal and professional development we experience as individuals, that much like flowers, we also experience periods of growth and bloom through nurturing ourselves to progress