The Ex Voto Project
Limited Edition Heart #4
"The Protection Paw"
Designed By Alicia Silva
"A Strong Woman Is One Who Feels Deeply And Loves Fiercely. Her Tears Flow Just As Abundantly As Her Laughter. A Strong Woman Is Both Soft And Powerful.She Is Both Practical And Spiritual. A Strong Woman In Her Essence Is A Gift To The World."
ABOUT ALICIA'S EX VOTO HEART DESIGN: "The Protection Paw"
I am the Sky, says the wise Grandmother to her Granddaughter. You are the Earth. We are Sky and Earth united...You are my Lifeblood...You are my Legacy. My feet shall run because of You. My soul shall dance because of You. My heart shall beat because of You. My eyes see because of You. My mind thinks because of You. And I shall Love...because of You.
This pin is dedicated to my Grandmother: Anita Alice (Thompson) Silva. In it I pay homage to her Powerful Strength, Boundless Love, and Protective Nature. Gently and with Infallible Dedication, She always looked out for our entire Family through Prayer and her innate Spirituality. My overall pin design is shaped like a stylized Bear Paw but if you look closely, at its core, you will find a hidden Heart: The Sacred Icon of The First Ex Voto Project Heart Series.
At the center of the Heart is a Golden Sun casting radiant warmth over the flourishing Evergreen Trees which represents her Pride shinning over her growing family. 7 individual trees for each of her children: 6 boys and 1 girl. Majestic eagle wings rise above the sun signifying an oath...a promise that she will always be watching over us, guiding us though life. The flowers in the fingers of the paw exemplify her nurturing Love she imparted on everyone, and of course, blossoms pay tribute to her Beauty inside & out. The fierce bear claws are long and sharp, warning that you should be cautious, if ill will is your intent. These weapons of the powerful bear provide the wearer of this pin ultimate protection. And lastly, the feathers inside each claw represent our indigenous culture. My Grandmother believed passionately that it was imperative for us to continue and preserve native practices and culture. Feathers are widely believed among North American Indians to signify the connection between The Creator, the owner of the feather, and the bird from whom the feather came. Deeply revered, the feather symbolizes High Honor, Power, Wisdom, Trust, Strength, and Freedom. As such, feathers are seen as heavenly gifts from the sky.
THE LEGEND OF THE BEAR:
Bears figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe. In most Native cultures, the Bear is considered a medicine being with impressive magical powers, and plays a major role in many religious ceremonies. Bears are symbols of Authority, Courage, Strength and Wisdom to many Native Americans. Known for their ability to keep fighting, even when they are wounded, bears are closely tied to healing and medicine. Many believed that bears were able to heal their own wounds. A Bear claw might be worn on a necklace to protect a warrior and offer him strength. The claws are also included in medicine pouches to bring the power of healing.
Like a mother Bear protects her young, it is said that leaders who possess Bear medicine stand up for what is right and fight for what is good and true. Often featured as guardians, teachers, leaders, and healers.
The Bear is also symbolic of resilience and reminds Native people to protect their ways of life, to fight for what is right, and to restore balance in communities. The strength of the Bear will bring great healing.
Bears symbolize introspection and intuition blended with instinct. To both European and Native American Shamanic people, the Bear symbolizes awakening the strong force of the unconscious. Bears are considered the Embodiment of Spiritual Power and Physical Strength. Rarely seen, Bears seemingly live as spirits, without a body - visible to the eye only as footprints in the sand - traces of passing left behind by great mythical beings from the Land of Spirits.
Bears, constant in their conviction have walked the same paths generation after generation, wearing deep furrows into solid stone. Bears were thought to die each Fall (through hibernation), to be reborn each Spring, verifying in life, their Spiritual Power over death. Proof, that Bears were given the Power of Resurrection through Rebirth.
In the kingdom of spirit animals, the Bear is emblematic of grounding forces and strength. This animal has been worshiped throughout time as a powerful totem, inspiring those who need it the courage to stand up against adversity. As a spirit animal in touch with the earth and the cycles of nature, it is a powerful guide to support physical and emotional healing.
Come O Spirit Of The Great Bear
Awaken In Your Hidden Lair
Dancer In The Starry Sky,
Awaken My Inner Eye.
Great Medicine Singer,
And Healing Bringer,
Grant Me The Power In Your Roar,
Root It Deep Within My Core.
Grant Me Might In Claw,
And Healing Touch In Paw.
O Spirit Of The Great Bear
Awaken The Bear In Me.
DEEPER MEANING: A Concealed Dreamcatcher
When The Protection Paw is inverted a surprising secret is revealed. The Ex Voto Heart is now easily recognizable, but the original Bear Paw shape now takes on the form of a Mystical Dreamcatcher!
The dreamcatcher is a protective talisman that is used to protect people from nightmares and bad dreams. Native American cultures believe that both good and bad dreams fill the air at night. The dreamcatcher acts like a spider's web by trapping the bad dreams or visions while allowing the good ones to filter through. The bad dreams caught in the web get destroyed when the sunlight of morning hits the dreamcatcher, while the good dreams filter down through the feathers and gently reach the sleeping person below. Dreamcatchers can also be considered apotropaic charms that provide protection from any kind of evil influence, not just from bad dreams and nightmares.
Feather Symbolism
No feather falls expectedly or without some important meaning, and feathers of all birds are valued. A myriad of symbolism includes:
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Crow = Balance, Skill, and Cunning
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Falcon = Speed, Movement, and Soul Healing
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Dove = Kindness, Love, and Gentleness
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Bluebird = Happiness
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Hawk = Guardianship and Far-Sightedness
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Owl = Wisdom
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Raven = Creation and Knowledge
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Turkey = Pride, Fertility, and Abundance
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Woodpecker = Self-Discovery
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Wren = Protection
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Swallow = Love and Peace
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Kingfisher = Luck
Feathers are worn, hung in the home, or otherwise displayed, as is it disrespectful to hide them away. Feathers feature heavily in dream catchers, to adorn infant cradles, to balance arrows, and hung from the home’s entrance to invite good spirits and repel bad spirits.
Native Nuances
You will immediately recognize a painting of mine with ease, even from distant miles away. Try to resist being drawn into the radiant day-glow halo as a powerful and overwhelming tidal wave of eye-popping neon and pastel hues crash over you, and you will fail! Submit...yield...I have your complete and utter attention now.
My name is Alicia Silva and I am a Proud / Queer / Scottish / English / Portuguese / Indigenous Artist. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California and I’ve been painting with acrylic since 2018. I refuse to be pigeonholed into one single subject matter or specific genre. I always like to mix it up and keep things interesting. I aim to capture my audience and patrons in a perpetual state of bewilderment!
I vividly remember my Native Pomo childhood. My Grandma sewed all of her Grandchildren’s Roundhouse Dresses from scratch using every resource available to her when she lived on the reservation. These cherished heirlooms were proudly worn during Native dancing rituals and cultural ceremonies. These were some of my fondest remembrances as a little girl.
My Aunt Vana also did a lot of traditional beadwork and fashioned our intricate and sacred medicine pouch necklaces which were worn about our necks for protection. Encased within each were objects and talismans that symbolized personal well-being and tribal identity.
I am fortunate to have had a lot of positive creative influences through my very own direct family lineage. These techniques and sense memories I carry close to my Heart and try my best to incorporate this intention and energy into my own expressions of artwork today - Craftswomanship steeped in Mysticism that is deeply rooted in Legacy. In a way I honor their memory by continuing to design, create, paint, and bring forth Beauty...in my Own Voice!
Me In My Sun-drenched Studio Surrounded By My Paints & Brushes
Little Me Wearing Native Roundhouse Dress With Grandma At School
I take great Pride in delivering an impact with every art piece I put out into the world; whether it be a commentary on social justice, eliciting a seductive or sensual emotion deep within the viewer, or simply a jolt of optimistic of color for interior decorating. I am definitely not shy of color...it's a trademark of mine, actually.
Before art became my Passion, interior design was what I really wanted to pursue, but in the end, painting stole my Heart! Whenever possible, I am really excited when I can combine these two disciplines at the same time. The BIG dream is to install rooms or public spaces that transport you into an alternative reality with spectacular visual imagery, moody lighting, dynamic music, etc... I'm talking about a completely Immersive Experience that explores relationships between space, time, and perception...where you can just lose yourself!
This drive of mine to succeed in the creative world comes from a desire to escape, constantly searching, eventually finding a sense of belonging. I yearn to discover my place in this world!
Radiant Blessed Virgin Of Guadalupe - Painted December 2020
I create my reality by distracting myself with art and it is what helps me get through a lot in life. Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and yet it doesn’t matter at all. I toil alone, and sometimes I am accompanied by spirits. I can be terrified, and brave all at once. Some people make art simply because they enjoy it, but for me, it’s having a sense of worth.
Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. Striving to excel and master a craft feels so essential to my core, that I have to remind myself to enjoy the ride and have some fun. Only when I am at my most playful can Divinity finally get serious with me and my process.
In the end, it's really me vs. me. Bringing some light to people’s lives through art brings me so much joy, but also the drive to keep going outweighs all the hesitations and uncertainty. I just measure my worth by my dedication to my path, not by successes or failures. Art just makes life beautiful and more rewarding to me!
Installing My Latest Gallery Show During The Pandemic - Art Lives On!
Follow Alicia
On Instagram:
@kittypainted
Stellar StarF#cker Vibes
Noteworthy
In
Neon
Noteworthy
In
Neon
An "Illuminating" Interview
With My Friend Alicia
An "Illuminating" Interview
With My Friend Alicia
Ever since we crawled out of that primordial slime, that's been our unifying cry, "More light!" Sunlight. Torchlight. Candlelight. Neon, Incandescent Lights that banish the darkness from our caves to illuminate our roads, the insides of our refrigerators. Big floods for the night games at Dodger Stadium. Little tiny flashlights for those books we read under the covers when we're supposed to be asleep. Light is more than watts and footcandles. Light is Metaphor. Light is Knowledge, Light is Life, Light is Light. In this casual convo I attempt to shed some Light on Alicia. We chat about celebrities, her relationship with her Beloved Grandmother, and even her favorite place to get Sunday Brunch!...basically giving her the opportunity to stand in the Spotlight!!! Now let's get to some questions...
Richert: So, what's the first thing you thought of this morning?
Alicia: Seriously, my first waking thought this morning was “Hang on you’re going to be okay."
Richert: Currently, what is your favorite color?
Alicia: At the moment my favorite color is any and all shades of green. Maybe this comes from my newfound obsession with plants! I own tons!
Richert: OMG! Have you been to the shop Botany Zhi in Downtown Santa Rosa yet? I DIE...YOU WILL DIE!!!
Richert: You've been given an adult elephant. You can't give it away or sell it. What would you do with your enormous new pet?
Alicia: Wow an adult elephant is now in my yard! The first thing I would do is make sure he’s not hungry. Next make sure he is happy and comfortable. I'd of course be talking to him and singing to him and hopefully one day he’ll trust me enough for some cuddly hugs.
Richert: I am fortunate to know you identify as a queer artist. What kind of gravity does this hold in your work? Do you feel it necessary to produce art that speaks to this sexual orientation? What are your pronouns?
Alicia: Yes and VERY proud! My pronouns are she/her. One year during pride month I did a portrait of a male makeup artist named Juan (@juantawn) to highlight male influencers in the makeup industry, a traditionally female trade. I do think it very necessary to make art for the LGBTQ community - it makes us more visible and promotes tolerance. It's funny though...I think my vibrantly flamboyant colors are initially what draw the gays in - DRAMA! I have a lot of queer supporters and fans that I am eternally grateful for. I am so PROUD to be part of this community!
Richert: If you could meet any artist, living or dead, who would you want to have an hour lunch date with? Why this artist? What would you order to eat?
Alicia: I’d love to pick at Mark Paul Deren's (Madsteez) brain. I was blown away the first time I was introduced to his style. He totally inspired me to pick up the paint brush. His ombre backgrounds and portraying people in colors other than normal flesh and skin tones is what stuck with me. For our lunch meeting I would order a really big chimichanga smothered in red sauce.
Richert: Are you a hunter or a gatherer?
Alicia: I would say I am a hunter because I'll go after what I want! And I almost always get what I want!
Richert: I notice that many admirers of your paintings have commissioned you to create tribute paintings for loved ones who have passed on...can you speak to this subgenre of your work? What is your process? Do you find it emotionally challenging knowing that you are memorializing a person who is no longer of this Earth?
Alicia: Yes this can be a very tough task especially when it's someone I actually knew when they were alive. But in the end I know its going to bring my client joy because they are honoring their beloved through artistic remembrance. Witnessing personal reactions when I reveal a finished piece is always so special and, at times, a very emotional experience.
Richert: If you could compare yourself to any animal, which one do you identify with most? Why?
Alicia: It sounds cliché but a cat. I love being home and feeling cozy and warm. The kind of cat I would be is the type that runs around at night making a lot of noise, knocking stuff over and during the day all I would do is sleep. I feel like my mind races at night and during the daytime I lack drive and motivation.
Richert: If you were a tree, what kind would you want to be and why?
Alicia: If I was a tree I'd be a weeping willow because I have long flowing hair and I’m a crybaby. Jokes aside they just look so at peace wherever they thrive.
Richert: Some people like to go cage diving with sharks, bungee jumping, etc... Personally I love roller coaster rides!!! What kind of activities lure you in when you are seeking a thrill?
Alicia: Any activity where all the attention is on me is a thrill in itself. Having art shows or doing live paintings in front of a captive audience really gives me the butterflies or maybe just anxiety but I’m always happy and proud of myself for participating in these interactive events. I get to share my art, chat with supporters, mingle and meet perfect strangers...what could be better, really?
Richert: If you were stranded on a desert island but your basic needs for survival - food and water - were taken care of, what two items would you want to have in your possession? And yes, you can only have two!
Alicia: I’m trying to think of two things I can use to create that won’t run out. But I guess I can use natural resources for that. In my possession when I’m stranded I hope I have a fire starter and a gun. That’s just me wanting to feel safe and protected wherever I’m at.
Richert: Where can we find your art for sale? Any upcoming gallery showings? Craft fairs or markets you are participating in?
Alicia: In the past I have had gallery shows at Copperage Brewing Company in Santa Rosa and have sold at numerous markets throughout Sonoma County. But at the moment I don’t have anything displayed. However, I do have a lot of work to do and tons of ideas swirling inside my head because I want to release new and exciting content. I feel like my older art subjects don’t speak to me anymore. Like my celebrity portraits, for example. I am not embarrassed by that work...it has gotten me to this point in my career and I am forever grateful to have invested time honing my techniques, sharpening my brushwork, developing a vocabulary...all that stuff. I simply want to create art with deeper meaning and symbolism and evolve as an artist.
Richert: I also, have seen you do Free Art Friday posts where you do a scavenger hunt / hide-and-go-seek promotion for your artwork. How did you come up with that idea?
Alicia: Yes! Free Art Friday SR is an Instagram page I stumbled across when I first started my art page and thought was so cool. This page has a local following that love free art and will go out of their way to hunt it down. It's so satisfying when I get DM's saying the found my art! Perfect way to get your name out there.
Richert: What was your first concert?
Alicia: My first concert was at the Phoenix in Petaluma I was 18 and it was a Tech N9ne concert. I remember having a blast with my older cousin Meagan.
Richert: What is your must have beauty product?
Alicia: My essential beauty product would be a good facial cleanser and for makeup a brow pencil. I love big brows and I cannot lie!
Richert: Okay. Favorite brunch spot in town?
Alicia: My favorite brunch spot would have to be Café Mimosa. I love that it's a female owned business and ran by Sonoma state graduates. Go check it out!
Richert: Do you collect anything?
Alicia: I've never really had a collection of one specific thing but lately I’ve been really into thrifting and finding vintage décor for my apartment.
Richert: Would you change anything about your career? Any regrets?
Alicia: No NEVER, I wouldn’t change one thing! I feel what’s meant to be, will be.
Richert: Earlier this year I contracted COVID-19 and as a result got full-blown pneumonia. During my 2 month recovery, I struggled to rehabilitate my lungs and find my breath again. It is so eye-opening and difficult when you have to deal with regaining something that you totally take for granted...something as basic as BREATHING! Do you practice meditation? If so, how do you reconnect with your core being?
Alicia: I'm so happy and grateful that you are okay! But lately I’ve been burning sage whenever I feel down. The wafting smoke and smell just reminds me of my Grandma and the times when our Family would gather together for Prayer. Doing this ritual surrounds me in a very calming energy.
Richert: Define or describe what PEACE means to you.
Alicia: Peace is the feeling inside you that brings nothing but Happiness and Contentment. It is your ability to tap into Tranquility and Calmness even in the midst of conflict and injustice.
Richert: Talk to me a little about your recent artist collaborations...who have you partnered with in the past? What did you create together? Who do you want to work with in the future?
Alicia: So far I’ve collaborated with two artists. The very first collab I ever entered into was with an artist named Scott (@eachoneteachone707) and he reached out to me on Instagram. I did the portrait part which was Mac Miller and Scott filled the background with his own cool / unique styled characters. The second collab I did was with another local artist named Natalie (@artby_l.g) and we created two paintings together both split down the middle. One painting was a meditating woman with my half being the more creature side of her. The second one was really fun and interesting. My side had a blue fembot with a pet flamingo and Natalie's side was a lion goddess. The end result was really unique since the colors we both used tied everything together perfectly. An artist that I would love to work with in the future is Anna (@traversingvoids) she is a mixed media artist and her creativity is super inspiring. Very bold and graphic! She lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
Richert: Purely out of curiosity, I always ask my artist friends to describe their ideal working environment for getting their creative juices flowing. What does your studio look like...tell me about the atmosphere you require to make the magic happen?
Alicia: Lots of music is mandatory...All the time! And to be alone in solitude! I just need a no judgment zone and feeling comfortable to come up with something unique, free of distractions and opinions that may hinder my flow or subject me to doubting my instincts.
Richert: What type of music are you currently listening to? What music do you put on when you paint? What do you listen to when you wanna chill? Do you have a Spotify playlist you want to share with everyone?
Alicia: Right now my choice of music has been more on the indie side and oldies. When I’m doing a portrait of a music artist I'll listen to their body of work during the entire process. It's just me trying to tap into any vibe they put into their craft, hoping I can channel that energy through my paintbrush! I don’t use a paid music service like Spotify. I normally just use Pandora or YouTube...music should be free and FREEING!
Richert: I LOVE your celebrity portraits Alicia!!! Tell us about a time when have you been most star struck? Have you ever met anyone famous you've painted?
Alicia: Thank You so much! I was FLOORED when a rapper named Saweetie posted my painting of her on her Instagram page! I was just so flabbergasted that she even noticed what I created. On top of that, her manager wanted me to send the actual painting to Saweetie. As far as I know it made it to her but I’m not sure where it's hanging. Following that, I did another California rapper Kamiyah and she acknowledged my painting and I was also able to send it to her. Next, I sent a fresh painting to Dreamdoll, a self-professed Bisexual rapper, and also Jenny69, a Mexican- American Influencer and they both were so grateful and supportive. The latest commission I just finished was for a model named Taylor White and I couldn’t have been more excited for it. She’s so encouraging and adores my art and I am totally star struck by that!
Richert: Any cool books or magazines that you are currently reading? Subscribed to any Podcasts?
Alicia: A lot of artist recommend listening to podcasts but I haven’t really tired to connect with any. And reading is not something I enjoy but I have read some good books in college but that’s only because I had to. Maybe I need to explore this world more.
Richert: I noticed you have a tendency to do paintings that have a political or social justice message. Why do you use your platform as an artist to speak to these issues?
Alicia: I think as an artist if you feel strongly about an issue you should use every platform possible to express yourself and speak your mind. I once did a portrait of a man named Kalief Browder and was able to gift it to his older brother, Akeem Browder, who started a foundation in Kalief’s name. Kalief Browder was an African American youth from The Bronx, New York, who at the age of 16 was held at the Rikers Island jail complex, without trial, between 2010 and 2013 for allegedly stealing a backpack containing valuables. During his imprisonment, Browder was in solitary confinement for two years. Akeem Browder is a civil rights activist now fighting for what’s right because the system failed Kailef which led him to suicide. His compelling and sad story is something I recommend looking into.
Richert: What is the last gift you gave someone?
Alicia: The last gift that I gave someone was a custom painted pair of Vans shoes which I made myself. It was for a little girl's 7th birthday and she loved them!
Richert: That's the cool thing about being an artist, you never need to go shopping for presents, you can just make them yourself!
Richert: If you could talk to your Grandma Anita again, what would be 3 questions you would ask her to answer? At the end of the conversation before she left you again, what would you say to her?
Alicia: My first question is are you with Grandpa and the whole family on the other side? My second would be can please you teach me how to make your famous fried bread? And thirdly what advice you can give me for living my best and most authentic life? And at the end I would say “I Love you and the whole Family misses you and your Courageous Energy. I miss your Sweet Voice and the Beautiful songs you sang. And I especially miss that Cheerful outburst of Laughter you would have. You are truly an Amazing person and I wish I had more time with you.”
Richert: What is your most precious belonging?
Alicia: My most precious belonging is a medicine pouch necklace that my Aunt Vana personally made for me. She was a highly skilled beader and made an array of unique Native jewelry pieces. My medicine pouch is made from the foot of a rabbit and the beads she incorporated were pink and white with flowers patterned in them. It's just so astoundingly Beautiful. My dad keeps it safe at his house but he recently told me that I should take it to my home now.
Richert: What are you most excited about
in life right now?
Alicia: Right now I’m excited to manifest funky fresh work that's totally different than what I’ve been doing.
Richert: What 5 pieces of advice would you give to an artist who is just starting out?
Alicia: 1. You have to be patient when practicing and trying to become a better artist. 2. In the beginning you’re going to have to do some things for free but it will all benefit you in the future. 3. It’s hard but don’t compare yourself to other artists. I feel like an artist’s style / expression it’s like a fingerprint - it can only come from you. 4. The more consistent you are with creating the more successful you’ll be. 5. Lastly a webpage! It’s something that even I still need to get together! It’s a great way to gain sales and exposure.
Richert: Alicia, last question...Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Alicia: In 10 years I would love to own a comfortable home with a sunroom for my plants. I see my paintings being displayed in galleries and traveling the globe for mural projects. And just plain happy!
Graffiti Murals
At The Dirty Dive Bar
Works In Progress
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Collaborations
*** WE ARE FAMILY ***
I want to take this moment to show much Gratitude to My Father Craig Silva and My Brother Ryan Silva who have been my greatest Champions and Supporters! Ryan and Dad have been there helping me install shows, setting up and breaking down markets, and so much more. It really takes a village to make me and my creations shine! Dad and Ryan, I will be forever Grateful for your Encouragement, Guidance, and Selfless Kindness...I LOVE YOU BOTH!!!
Custom Apparel
Commissions & Portraits
Canines & Felines
Political Activism
& Social Justice
Otherworldly Oddities
Alicia's Charity
Sonoma County Indian
Health Project
My Grandma, Anita Alice (Thompson) Silva, was one of the Original Founders of this institution! I found it only fitting that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this pin, be donated to an organization she was so passionate about! SCIHP is licensed by the State of California as A Community Health Center. They currently provide medical, dental, nutritional, behavioral health, pharmacy and health education services. SCIHP has expanded care to non-Indians with Medi-Cal on a limited basis.
With SCIHP using the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) as a model of care to provide comprehensive total health care and treat patients with cultural sensitivity and respect. As an organization, they believe that the following principles guide the development of the PCMH model. It is a place where patients are treated with respect, dignity, compassion, and enable strong and trusting relationships with providers and staff. Above all, the medical home is not a final destination instead, it is a model for achieving primary care excellence so that care is received in the right place, at the right time, and in the manner that best suits the patient’s needs. The Federal Tort Claims Act covers Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. activities. In addition, SCIHP also provides wrap-around coverage for their providers.
Sonoma County Indian Health Project, Inc. (SCIHP) was established in 1971 by a group of leaders from the Indian communities of Sonoma County. Their goal was to provide health care for all Indians of Sonoma County and to provide services in a manner which is sensitive to the culture and traditions of the local Indian Tribes.
Over the years, SCIHP has steadily progressed from a small organization consisting of a single dental chair and an exam table to the multimillion-dollar comprehensive health care facility it is today. In 1999, the Board of Directors acquired private land. In collaboration with the Tribes, SCIHP secured several grants through HUD (Housing and Urban Development) to begin building our Facility. Our initial operation revenue was through the Indian Health Service, under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638). In 2001, we were able to move into our newly built facility, which is where we are presently located. In 2020, SCIHP acquired several acres of private land with the intent to build a new facility.
SCIHP’s tribal consortium includes, Cloverdale Rancheria of Pomo Indians of California, Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians, Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, Lytton Rancheria of California, Manchester Band of Pomo Indians of the Manchester Rancheria, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of Stewarts Point Rancheria, which have designated SCIHP as a Tribal Organization, under P.L. 93-638. SCIHP has 501(c)(3) status and is incorporated by the State of California as a non-profit organization.
SCIHP is funded by State, County and private funds. Through a special relationship with the California Rural Indian Health Board (CRIHB), SCIHP is sub-contracted with the federal government. In effect, this establishes SCIHP as a tribal organization under the provisions of P.L. 93-638, and as such, performs the functions of the Indian Health Service throughout our assigned service area. This relationship carries certain responsibilities to the tribal governments, which comprise our contractual relationship.
~ PROUDLY PRESENTING ~
The Protection Paw
The Protection Paw
Limited Edition Of 100
~ $13.00 Donation ~
In-Person Purchase
~ $15.00 Donation ~
( $13.00 For Pin + $2.00 S&H )
Online Purchase
To pray you open your whole self
To sky, to earth, to sun, to moon
To one whole voice that is you.
And know there is more
That you can’t see, can’t hear;
Can’t know except in moments
Steadily growing, and in languages
That aren’t always sound but other
Circles of motion.
Like eagle that Sunday morning
Over Salt River. Circled in blue sky
In wind, swept our hearts clean
With sacred wings.
We see you, see ourselves and know
That we must take the utmost care
And kindness in all things.
Breathe in, knowing we are made of
All this, and breathe, knowing
We are truly blessed because we
Were born, and die soon within a
True circle of motion,
Like eagle rounding out the morning
Inside us.
We pray that it will be done
In beauty.
In beauty.
~ Joy Harjo ~
