This First section of the World Longest Native American Painting was created in 2006 & 2007.

The Women of the Great Lakes depicts the general Nations of the  Midwest. It was part of a presentation at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in Washington DC.

The main characters in this painting represent  the Elder Women being cared for  by the younger women. They are dressed in a traditional outfit made of white brain tanned deer skin. They are also wearing a traditional bone breast plate made of elongated beads and an eagle feather on their head.  Daniel's great aunt,  Margaret Waynee, was the inspiration for presenting the elders in the white dress. I painted these white regalia to honor our Elders. Daniel remembers her constant encouragement and motivation to present his Ojibwe Culture.

The Ojibwe are also known as the Aniishiinaabek. The Woodland Indians of the Great Lakes are also the 3 Fires People which include the Chippewa, the Odawa and the Potawatomi. The Women of the Great Lakes includes the concept of matrilineal society and celebrates the importance of Our Elders.

This first painting only focuses on the Indigenous Tribes of the Great Lakes.

In Michigan :  you will find the following indigenous communities : Bay Mills Chippewa,  Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Hannaville Potawatomi, Keeweenaw Bay Indian Community, Lac Vieux Desert Chippewa, Little River Band of Odawa, Little Traverse Band of Odawa, Gun Lake Potawatomi, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Huron Band of Potawatomi, Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan and Sault St. Marie Chippewa.

In Wisconsin : Bad River Band of Chippewa, Forest County Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Courtes Oreilles Chippewa, Lac Du Flambeau Chippewa, Menominee, Onieda Tribe of Wisconsin, Red Cliff Band of Chippewa, St. Croix Band of Chippewa,  Stockbridge Munsee Community and Sokaogon Chippewa.

In Minnesota :  Grand Portage, Bois Forte, Red Lake, White Earth, Leech Lake, Fond du Lac and Mille Lacs Anishinabe,  Shakopee, Mdewakanton, Prairie Island, Lower Sioux and Upper Sioux Dakota Communities.