Trial of Tears

Silk Screen Serigraph
Size: 29 x 22"
Edition: 159

The central figure is Native elder, Mary Johnson upon hearing the outcome of the Gitksan / Wet'suet'en land claim trial on March 8, 1991. The two Trees of Life represent the territory and the resources that were being disputed. Coppers are a traditional symbol of wealth, and in a dispute a chief may "break a copper". There are four broken coppers to represent the legal dispute, and four whole coppers to represent the unresolved land question. The four white ravens depict the ever-changing trickster, and symbolize the Canadian legal system and this ruling.

In addition to traditional Kwakiutl designs, David has created Contemporary Indigenous prints that represent the issues and history of our time. He believes that Northwest Native American traditional art is a foundation to build upon, not a boundary to restrain creativity..