Local Indigenous artist’s work shaped by experiences and Blackfoot culture
By Lethbridge Herald on December 12, 2025.
Alexandra Noad
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A local Blackfoot artist is keeping the stories he has learned from his elders and using them to inspire his art.
Kiit’okii, a multimedia painter from Piikani Nation, says he has fond memories of gathering around the camps and listening to the stories of his ancestors.
“When I was a kid, people gather around, we’d have cultural camps, they’d tell stories and so I take those stories and apply them to my art.”
Kiit’okii has been an artist for over two decades and began with sketches which evolved into painting.
He says he loves to work with different mediums such as gold leaf and different types of paste to bring out textures which can be more interesting to look at.
“I think (by using different mediums) it looks a little more mature because it is a big challenge to use different types of mediums.”
Earlier this week, Kiit’oki brought his experience and expertise to the Blackfoot Resource Hub.
He explains while he was focusing on the basics of how to approach the canvas, by allowing them to tap into the creative field he was helping teach how every design has a meaning.
“My part in keeping the way of the traditional Blackfoot people’s stories alive, even the headdress cases and teepee’s there’s a story behind every design that goes into it.
He adds painting is all about interpreting what’s in your mind and putting it on the canvas to tell a story.
Kiit’okii’s artwork can be viewed on his website www.kiitfinearts.ca
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