I wasn’t expecting to find something that looked so beautiful and handcrafted. So I said, ‘Okay, it’s meant to be.’” Lee said he was thrilled when Wapanatâhk, a
fellow member of a Cree Nation, told him about her intent behind wearing his jewelry at such high-profile events. “It feels fantastic,” said Lee. “I thought, ‘If I can help you to achieve a vision for a look that you want, and if that involves me in any small part, I’m totally into it.’” Lee also was excited that he could further
authentic portrayals of what Indigenous cultures are versus how Native people might have been viewed when the original “Peter Pan” movie was created. “Yeah, it feels really good. I’m so happy for her as an actor. To have that kind of opportu- nity is just amazing. And there are so many won- derful things going on in Indigenous cinema and
“It’s how much you put behind it. That’s how far you’re going to go.”
— Plains Cree jeweler Erik Lee
Left top: This ring bears the inscription “Kiyam” in the syllabic writing form of the Plains Cree language. Lee says this word is said about things that are “not to worry about.”
“Kiyam,” 2022, sterling silver, .75” x .75”.
Left bottom: Stamped on top of this Canadian coin are the Cree words
“ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐁᐧ NEHIYAWE” which means “Speak Cree.” Lee said he wanted to “stamp out” the colonial institutions that tried to take the languages and cultures of Cree peoples.
“Nehiyawe, Speak Cree,” 2022, sterling silver coin, silver, 1” in diameter.
40 WINTER 2022 AMERICAN INDIAN
PHOTOS BY ERIK LEE (3)
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