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Hi, my name is Bobbie and I'm the sister of the artist, Dyana DeCoteau Dyess. Dyana's entered two photographs into the Indigenous exhibit called “Noojimo (She Heals)” and her artwork was accepted to be part of the exhibit! The opening reception will be on July 19th (Tuesday) in Minneapolis, MN. Travel is hard for Dyana and her family due to financial reasons, and I put this GoFundMe together to support my sister in her Life's passion, photography, and art! I'm the person in the photos, and I'm still in awe of how I look. These photos are the first actual time I saw myself as a beautiful woman. The night of the photo shoot, my sister and I were in tearful amazement as we gazed upon the works she created. When Dyana told me about entering her photos into an exhibition, I was so proud of my sister and felt honored that Dyana was inspired to share her art with the world in such a manner. I would love for my sister to attend the opening with her husband and children. This is such a momentous occasion in Dyana's life. She deserves to be there, and enjoy her work with her loved ones. I'm inserting Dyana's artist biography and statement for the entry. Miigwech(Thank you) for donating and reposting! We appreciate the support very much!

Artist Biography

Dyana DeCoteau is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa. She is a self-taught photographer and artist. She graduated from Dakota College of Bottineau with Top Honors and is currently enrolled at Minot State University pursuing her Bachelor of Arts majoring in photography. She now lives in Minot, North Dakota with her husband, two children, and nephew.

Artist Statement

My sister and I grew up in a broken family. We could not escape to an auntie’s or any other family member’s home because our parent and their family members treated us unkindly. Thanks to the creator we survived and learned to break this generational trauma as adults.

We are now the aunties. My niece and nephews get so excited to come to my home and my children look at my sister as their 2nd mom. We provide unconditional love and support to each other’s children, and we do our best to be the aunties we wish we could have had as children.

I am back in school after putting my education on the back burner for many years to raise my younger siblings and later my children. It has been quite experienced at this age. I am surrounded by young adults just starting their education and careers. Some of my classmates started to ask me for advice or tell me about their struggles. I would listen and advise if they asked for it. I would share my own experiences and would educate and share about my Indigenous culture. Soon they all started to call me their adopted auntie. I was very humbled and honored to be associated with this title. Even though my sister and I did not have loving and supportive aunties, the Creator had a different plan for us. To be the matriarchs and aunties to our children and the new generations.

About the Exhibition:

Noojimo (She Heals) will highlight the importance of Aunties in Indigenous spaces. In many Indigenous communities, the Auntie often serves in an extra parental role who provides mental, physical, and spiritual support to younger relatives. As our world needs repair, women lead to healing in our homes and Aki (earth); we must repair relationships with ourselves, others, and with the Aki. Noojimo will be a powerful tribute to courageous women (both historically and modern) stepping into the role of an Auntie, who often influence, create, and strengthen bonds of obligation, trust, and solidarity both inside the home and in the community.

http://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/noojimo-she-heals-call-for-artists/

https://www.instagram.com/birdiedyess/

https://www.behance.net/Dyanadyess

"She Stands Up for Herself"