Fences is the fifth print in my artist's book. Fences are a symbol of privatization of land, a point of pride for landowners and a necessity for cattle ranchers to keep their property safe and contained. Fences frequently appear in indigenous accounts as an obstacle that cuts off traditional pathways and hunting grounds, that limits movement and keeps their traditional lands inaccessible. I found one account by Enlhet elder Maangvayaam'ay' very poignant, in which he describes the following scene: "We lived on the other side of the fence, until we were approached by Haako'-Pya'yeem, a Mennonite from Nempeena-Amyep: 'Do you want to hear the word of God?' From then on we lived in Haako'-Pya'yeem's yard; no longer did we stay on the other side of the fence..." (More text below). In most indigenous accounts, the fences kept them out; here, they are invited in. Maangvayaam'ay and his people are invited to join the newcomers, but they are expected to change. Crossing the fence symbolizes a point of no return, of leaving the traditional way of life on the other side. I portray this scene as a kind of entrapment. Two fences cross the width of the image with figures standing in the space between. The forest, representing the traditional territory and way of life remain is now separated from the people. Another interesting aspect of Maangvayaam'ay's account is that he mentions the cattle roaming freely. Generally I think of the cattle as being fenced in and people moving freely, but here the roles are reversed and it is the indigenous people who are becoming fenced in and restricted in their movement.
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