Title: Nitsiniksin (My Story) The G.O.A.T.

Artist: Craig T Marks

Tribal Affiliation: Pikuni (Blackfeet Nation)

Year Completed: 2022

Medium: Acrylic and spray paint on cast sculpture

Dimensions (HxWxD): 48" X 60" X 23"

Description/Inspiration:
Project GOAT (Global Offensive Against Trafficking) utilized specially designed goat sculptures to raise money and awareness to combat human trafficking. This goat was originally intended to be orange with Blackfeet pictograms depicting the remains of every child recovered from school properties to date. After a conversation with a close friend of the artist, the concept changed from a memorial to a victory statement-a winter count for not just the victims but the survivors. The pictograms in the blue area of the goat represent the survivors of the residential school era. These are the elders who kept the language and culture alive when governments and the church worked so hard to eradicate them. The pictograms in red, below the earth line represent those who did not come home. One flank of the goat depicts the members of the Dream Catcher Foundation Council. The Council are the quintessential example of colonization's failure to "kill the Indian and save the man." These are pro athletes, supermodels, actors, musicians, artists, and influencers. You can't help but see them. Undeniable proof that Indigenous people are still here and gaining momentum every day. The other flank tells the story of Native America through the artist's family. Panning down the side, you can see how within a generation of being removed from the reservation tradition gave way to the fashion of the time. The artist shows his grandmother Agnes Kellerher and Grandfather Jimmy Big Spring as they would have appeared in the 1930s. His grandmother Helen and uncle "Smokey" in the 1950s, and his mother in the 1960's. His uncle William "Jimmy" Kellerher, a Vietnam veteran, represents the native veterans. In 1978, Natives were again allowed to practice their culture openly. This can be observed in traditional attire appearing again with the artists extended family. His cousin Deborah Red Shirt, and adopted brother and sister, Jesse DesRosier and Tillie Torpey. Blackfoot Artist Terrance Guardipee Last Gun in his elk tooth necklace helped to inspire and teach Mr. Marks through the years. The story could not be complete without the support of the artists wife, who stands next to the Skyway bridge representing Florida, and the artists heart. To the right of the skyway is Chief Mountain and a Pikuni camp, representing Blackfeet Country and the spirit of the artist. Between these two is a bull bison-the artist himself walking in two worlds. Displayed on the goat are the north star and big dipper, along with the red hand representing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-spirit People. Even the eyes are slightly different, with a nod to Napi. The goat is a representation of the perseverance of Native America. It symbolizes colonial failure to erase Indigenous peoples. In every way this goat says to the world: "We are still here."

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