The First Stewards
Three Indigenous artists celebrate the recovery of wildlife central to their Nations.
Artists Kevin Pourier, Dustin Twiss, and James Francis were commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum in 2021 to create contemporary artworks for the museum’s permanent collection. These works celebrate the recovery of three North American species central to both Tribal Nations and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
White Buffalo Horn Spoon (2021) by Kevin PourierU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum
"White Buffalo Horn Spoon"
This spoon, by artist Kevin Pourier, was made from buffalo horn, a material the Lakota believe has Spirit. After cutting and carving the horn, the artist inlaid it with crushed Mother of Pearl. The spoon’s shine is natural.
The Artist: Kevin Pourier of the Oglala Lakota, South Dakota
Mr. Pourier believes in the healing powers of “making things” and has used buffalo horn as his sole medium for over 30 years. Through art, he shows people “the importance of their part in the whole scheme of things” and gives voice to the beings with which we share this planet.
The Species: American Bison
Bison neared extinction in the late 1800s. Today, Tribal, Federal, State and private groups are rebuilding herds scattered across the Western U.S. Retaining genetic diversity and allowing the forces of natural selection to shape the species are now essential to its conservation.
Badlands Ferret Family (2021) by Dustin TwissU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum
"Badlands Ferret Family"
This drawing by artist Dustin Twiss, was done in colored pencil on paper and depicts the endangered black-footed ferret. Elements of the design reflect the natural pattern found in South Dakota’s state gemstone, the Fairburn Agate.
The Artist: Dustin Twiss of the Oglala Sioux, South Dakota
Through his award-winning art, Mr. Twiss shares traditional Lakota knowledge by combining his appreciation of nature and culture. Mr. Twiss sees art as “just a natural part of everyday life. There is no Lakota word for ‘art,’ it’s just a part of who we are.”
The Species: Black-Footed Ferret
This small grassland carnivore that dons a distinctive black mask was twice thought to be extinct. As part of an intensive recovery effort, ferrets are bred in captivity and then released into the wild where their lives are inextricably intertwined with that of the prairie dog.
Atlantic Salmon (2021) by James FrancisU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum
"Atlantic Salmon"
This painting by artist James Francis commemorates the reestablishment of Atlantic salmon in Maine’s Penobscot River watershed. Each dot of paint represents a salmon that returned. The downward spear symbolizes the cultural connection between the Penobscot Nation and the fish.
The Artist: James Francis of the Penobscot Nation, Maine
Mr. Francis works mostly in the realm of his parents’ homeland culture. His perspective on conservation draws from the Penobscot world view: “Our role in the environment or the ecology is no different than the role of the salmon… We don’t dictate it. We are just a part of it.”
The Species: Atlantic Salmon
Recovering the Atlantic salmon is a multifaceted effort in which long-term partners achieve feats like removing dams. It is a story of reunification: connecting the fish to the cold, clean streams where they thrive, and in doing so, reviving vital human connections to the river.
Read more from the artists about their work:
Kevin Pourier - “White Buffalo Horn Spoon”
Dustin Twiss - "Badlands Ferret Family"
James Francis - "Atlantic Salmon"
Read more about each species:
American bison
Black-footed ferret
Atlantic salmon
Read more about Tribal Nations' work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on recovery efforts for all three species:
American bison
Black-footed ferret
Atlantic salmon
