Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Inspired by a Canadian Native artist and by meaningful Native tradition, MPS junior Aaliyana Cerda created a design rich in symbolism and vivid in blues and greens.
Her artwork is this year’s winner in the First Nations Studies College Access Program button design contest at MPS.
Aaliyana, who is majoring in visual arts at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, was recognized at the First Nations Studies end-of-year celebration at Havenwoods State Forest in Milwaukee for her winning design. Her prize, a book set, included "An American Sunrise: Poems," by Native Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, "Warrior Girl Unearthed," by Angeline Boulley, and a book on Native North American art.
Using fine-line pens and alcohol markers, Aaliyana created a flowing, circular design that evokes the circle of life. A bald eagle, representing strength and freedom, dominates the foreground. From its beak, like a speech bubble, stream images and shapes: a figure with a long braid who holds arms outstretched toward the sun, and designs that incorporate brilliant blues and greens reminiscent of Earth, sky, and water.
Beside the eagle are sprays of bluebell flowers, which traditionally symbolize gratitude and everlasting love, Aaliyana said.
The artwork also grew from what Aaliyana learned through the College Access Program — “the connection to Earth and what it gives us,” she said, and how that connection strengthens First Nations communities. Aaliyana, who is in the Oneida Nation’s Turtle Clan, wanted to convey that connection to the land in her artwork.
Stylistically, she took inspiration from the work of First Nations artist Betty Albert. Aaliyana had received a print of Albert’s “Sacred Space” work, and Albert’s use of color and pattern made an impression on her.
Through the First Nations Studies College Access Program, Aaliyana said, she learned how very diverse the First Nations are. And, she said, the program “helped me accept myself, in a way” — her image of herself is fuller than Native stereotypes.
Aaliyana said she made three drawings over the course of a week, all very different from each other. The only one she entered turned out to be the winner.
Recognizing 100-plus students
At the First Nations Studies end-of-year program at Havenwoods, more than 100 other students received recognition or awards across 14 categories that are uniquely tailored to the program and the students, said Jody Bauer, lead teacher for the First Nations Studies College Access Program. 
Some of the awards honored program engagement, including the number of assignments completed or field trips attended. Other awards commended students for their positive traits, including the Sunshine Award for optimism, the Inspiration Award for creativity, and the Cultural Inquiry Award for participation in their culture.
Students also were recognized for academic excellence and for notable student performance throughout the school year with the Student of Integrity Award and the Excellence Award.
Other awards recognized students for their strength of character. The Outstanding Improvement Award recognizes personal growth over time; the Perseverance Award went to students for overcoming challenging or unique obstacles during the school year.
More about First Nations Studies
Milwaukee Public Schools has nearly 360 students in high school who identify as Native. Of those, approximately 230 students are in the College Access Program, with instructors supporting 25 schools on a weekly rotation throughout the school year.
The program uses the Expanding the Circle curriculum, designed to help Native high school students make the transition to college through activities that reflect their culture. The program also provides tutoring, support in applying for scholarships and to colleges, and arranges free visits to colleges.
First Nations families interested in the program can register their children online.