Artist Bio: Leah "Povi" Lewis

Meet Leah "Povi Marie" Lewis, a visionary artist and activist deeply committed to addressing crucial social issues within Native American and Indigenous communities. In 2017, alongside her partner Votan from NSRGNTS, she embarked on a transformative project in Downtown Duluth, creating the awe-inspiring three-story mural "Ganawenjiige Onigam." This mural, in collaboration with Honor the Earth and AICHO, highlighted the plight of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), the struggles of Water Protectors, and the harmful effects of big oil, mancamps, human trafficking, and environmental degradation on ancestral lands. The mural became a symbol of hope and a call for societal change, garnering significant community support and recognition from the city of Duluth.

In addition to her art, Povi is a dedicated parent and homeschools her children with her partner. Recognizing the lack of Indigenous-based curriculum for school-aged children, she creates supplementary educational materials to enhance the inclusivity and empowerment of Indigenous education.

Povi is also working on a documentary exploring repatriation and the history of the boarding school system. Her goal is to shed light on the enduring impact of generational trauma and colonization while promoting healing and decolonization. Through her storytelling, she aims to inspire empathy, understanding, and positive societal change.

Povi's unwavering commitment to her community, pursuit of justice, and dedication to preserving Indigenous heritage through art and education make her a compelling force for positive transformation. She has also pioneered the creation of Indigenous Kawaii characters, which she incorporates into her murals and merchandise, providing empowering and relatable role models for Indigenous youth and sparking important conversations about cultural diversity and the power of art in promoting positive change. Povi's work continues to inspire the next generation to embrace their heritage and uniqueness with pride, fostering a more inclusive and uplifting world for all.