Identity

Melissa Fowler

birch bark

“Melissa Niigaaniigaabowikwe Fowler, owner of Creatively Indigenous, is an Anishinaabe birchbark and beadwork adornment artist. She is a Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa tribal member and a St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin community member. Melissa is inspired by traditional designs and art forms of the Great Lakes regions and enjoys incorporating them in her design process. Melissa’s work reflects her journey in self-identity, belonging, connection to the land, and revitalization. Melissa loves to embellish her birchbark adornments with contemporary and traditional materials such as stones, shells, ivories, crystals, and antique trade beads. Melissa has received numerous awards and distinctions, including Indigenous Biz Con’s 2025 Creative of the Year, 1st place Diverse Arts Award at Santa Fe’s 2025 Indian Art Market and Juried Art Competition, Best of Show at the 2025 Woodland Indian Art Market and Show and 2025 Wisconsin Humanities Fellow, Minnesota Historical Society’s Encouragement Award.”

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Size: 11 3/8″ x 6 6/8″
Price: $1800

Contact aprilhc@eauclaire.lib.wi.us for details.