Niwot was a Native American chief from the south Arapaho tribe who spent their summers in Boulder Colorado. Every summer the tribe would journey up to Gold Lake to celebrate their sun dance with other tribes in the area. Chief Niwot spoke English and served as an intermediary between government officials and tribes in the area. He was known as a peacemaker. There are no photographs of chief Niwot and no definitive knowledge of his death. No one knows for sure if chief Niwot was killed at the Sand Creek Massacre along with many other Native Americans. I feel his spirit still lives at Gold Lake and this painting honors him and Native Americans.

oil & cold wax on wood panel