About Dennis' Work

Dennis Metcalf, Hunkpati Oyaté and student at the Institute of American Indian Arts, is facing down the difficulty and discovering healing through art. His work tells a powerful story of uncovering culture and identity. Dennis is on a journey of healing through sharing his art and story with the world. The act of drawing gives Dennis a space to explore, process his life, express himself, and ultimately dream. Dennis is a positive voice for Indigenous values and a role model for those in need of hope for a better tomorrow.

Dennis plans to assist with the story development of a Native American story that will promote indigenous storytelling. He will work on the project in conjunction with Native Hope and Giving with Joy Productions. The goal is to collaborate and generate a portfolio of items for a graphic novel. The portfolio will consist of story ideas, character backstories, preliminary sketches of characters and setting, photographs for reference, and a vernacular phrasebook.

The story itself will reinforce the Dakota belief in communication with Wakȟáŋ Tȟáŋka on a personal level deepen one’s understanding of the world — past and present. 

This unique, storytelling fellowship offers creatives like Dennis an opportunity to participate in the development of rich material for future generations.