the art of
Marlena Myles
digital artist + animator + fabric/fashion designer + book illustrator
Dakhóta Thamákhočhe (Dakota Land Maps)
These maps illustrate the story of the past, present and future of Dakota people and our language in our traditional homelands. Visit the project page to download free posters, purchase larger maps, hear audio and learn more about the lands Dakota people have called home for generations upon generations.
Bde Óta Othúŋwe & Imnížaska Othúŋwe
Minneapolis & St. Paul, Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Mnísota Wakpá Makhósmaka
Minnesota River Valley – including Bloomington, Edina, Wayzata, Chanhassan, Chaska, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Belle Plaine, Mankato, Owatonna, Waseca, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Redwood Falls, Lower Sioux Community, Granite Falls, Upper Sioux Community, Montevideo, Pipestone.
Thíŋta Wíta – Ȟemníčhaŋ Othúŋwe Wašté – Winúŋna
Prairie Island, Red Wing & Winona, Minnesota
Free Resources
Here you can access free downloads that I created that teach and share Dakota culture.
I also created more here at my Dakota Publishing Company, Wíyouŋkihipi (We are Capable).
Free Coloring Pages of the 3 Sisters/Sage & DIY Seed Packets
Free downloads of Dakota/Ojibwe coloring pages of Squash, Corn, Beans and Sage. Free DIY seed packets you can color too!
(Free download) Lyric Poster Collaboration with Tufawon
This coloring sheet poster I created to celebrate Native American Month in Minnesota. I teamed up with Tufawon (lyrics from his song Sagepatch Kid) and the Hennepin County Library to create a poster that captures the rebirth of Spring through Dakota florals (Tufawon and I are both Spirit Lake Dakota).
Free Coloring Book of Dakhóta plants & Landmaps of Mnísota
Learn about Dakota plants (traditional food & medicinal uses) and landmarks of Dakota homelands in Mnísota through the 1861 Minnesota journey of Henry David Thoreau.
Design your own Dakota Floral worksheet
This worksheet will help you create your own Dakota floral designs. It incorporates elements of coloring books but also gives you the freedom to design something totally unique.
Essays
Native Art, Native Voices: A Resource for K-12 Learners
12 essays I wrote for the Minneapolis Institute of Art about artworks in Mia’s collection and questions to support deep looking, critical thinking, and discussion. Native Art, Native Voices includes information about Native cultures both past and present and supports Minnesota state standards for visual arts and social studies/U.S. history.