UKTENA AND LADYBUGS NO. 4 Kindra Swa昀昀ord Although home life did not include the Cherokee language, Swafford did have Cherokee language in school, and in the last few years they circled back to the language to the extent that Cherokee language classes are now part of their life. “I was born in Tahlequah, and I was raised down Hwy 82 from Peggs, Locust Grove, Moody, and Salina,” Swafford said. “I lost my grandma right after we obtained citizenship, but I learned from her how to garden and can food. The respect for nature and its inhabitants came from her, and my green thumb came from her. There are items that she made that my Papa James would take out, after she had passed, that would show she was taught traditional arts and she applied them in her life. That is how I found out she knew how to weave. She also was an excellent quilt maker.” Art and biology teachers invested in Swafford’s abilities. “I can only hope that I inspire others to pursue their Initially pursuing a degree in science, Swafford declared passions,” Swafford said. “Even if they work full time, a major in 昀椀ne arts, graduating in 2014 with a BFA from people need to 昀椀nd happiness in their lives, and in my Northeastern State University. Swafford worked various situation, create happiness.” jobs through high school and college, and still remains employed, while pursuing art. Swafford has a huge number of accolades, awards, and showings to their name. They are an active member of Arts Council of Tahlequah, Inkslingers of Tulsa, and the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition. As well, they are a member of The Southeastern Indian Artists Association, an intertribal Native American nonpro昀椀t arts organization Kindra Swa昀昀ord, Tahlequah headquartered in Oklahoma that promotes and protects www.kindraswa昀昀ord.com/ the interest of Native American artists. 11