Artist Statement:Growing up as a member of the Assiniboine and Sioux from the Fort Peck Reservation, and a descendant of the Suquamish Tribe of Washington, I have always been surrounded by art. You could say it was a way of life, whether it was the astounding bead or quillwork created by my mother Joyce Growing Thunder Fogarty or the ease in which my father Jim Fogarty put paint to canvas in his paintings of Western and American Indian heritage. My mother and my sister, Juanita would sit for hours working their fingers to thick calluses and needle pricks as they transformed porcupine quills, beads and brain tanned buckskin into War shirts, Pipe bags, pad saddles or moccasins. Now it is my wife Ramey, also from the Fort Peck Reservation, who shares in the hope of preserving our unique style of art on the Fort Peck Reservation.It is from this passion, dedication and immersion in Assiniboine and Sioux art that has enabled me to produce a style of art that was originally developed around the turn of the century. "Ledger" account books and records were adapted to replace the once abundant hides that were used to record deeds accomplished on the battle field, ceremonial events, or daily life including hunting and courtships.It is my goal and ambition that this style of "ledger art "continues to pay tribute to the perseverance of my ancestors who adapted and created works of art during a period of life changing turmoil and injustice. It is through our art that we as Indigenous people can maintain our identity and pass this identity down to generations to come.