This design is part of the "Embraced" series - Being embraced, like a blanket, overlapping your

past and present history. The first painting to develop the embrace concept, and a nod to Natalie

Miller’s Great Grandpa, Simon Killcrease, this design incorporates his signature polka dot tie.

The tie represents the hard work and resilience he had. As an orphaned child he, like many, was

forced to attend an Indian boarding school. As he got older, he worked for the Federal Bureau of

Indian affairs, determined to help others like him. His years of working hard enabled him to

acquire nicer things he never knew as a child. All to say… So dapper with that polka dot tie!

Poem:

The power to be severed from your people and return

As family always does, reunited with a bright spot of color

In a soft embrace well fought for