This painting narrates the personal story of Hope. Hope is a survivor of homelessness and both domestic and sexual abuse.

Hope's first encounter with abuse was at the age of 5. Sadly, she experienced such trauma  repeatedly throughout her life perpetrated by family members, care givers, and those exploiting safe spaces. The symbols at the bottom of the circle to the right and left are renditions of a survivor symbol, comprising a unity symbol, an infinity sign, and a mountain range to represent her strength and defiant refusal to break under such immense pressure.  

Hope also struggled by not having a stable home.  By the age of eleven she, her little brother, and her single mother had moved multiple times all across the US. The Tee-pee in Hope's painting represents a "temporary shelter" to illustrate this demanding transience. Eventually her family settled in Albuquerque, where she began another battle.

In order to escape her mother's abusive boyfriend, who also tried to sexually assault her, Hope found herself without a home.  While homeless, and in and out of shelters until the age of 18, Hope continued her schooling, volunteering, and working; maintaining a 4.3 GPA. Hope also remained politically active, and was a key player in passing a bill that gave free educational tuition to those who were in foster care for over a year. The eagle feathers above her head symbolize her remarkable strength, wisdom, and perseverance in soaring above adversities and reaching her goals. 

Over the years, Hope has become a leading activist and advocate for many causes. One particularly close to her heart is the NO DAPL movement. She has fought to protect the most vital element for the sustenance of life, water. The rain cloud symbol above her head signifies this fight, as well as renewal and change, and is also a magical symbol to promote good prospects in the future for the Diné. 

While protesting at Standing Rock, Hope's Grandmother spotted a herd of buffalo. Hope is wearing the blanket of her grandmother, who she has always been incredibly close with. Hope is also adorning her great mother's turquoise jewelry. Just as the buffalo are being reintroduced into the land, so is the strength of the indigenous people, and our union with the earth. The two buffalo within the circle symbolize this connection. 

At the top of the painting is Hope in Diné along with a ring of arrowheads and rainbow, partial elements of Diné symbols. The arrowheads represent protection, while the rainbow represents harmony and vitality. There are also two hogans, permanent dwellings, at the end of each side of the rainbow. This is to represent a home and prosperity for Hope, something she has worked very hard and against all odds to provide for herself

Hope's name is a symbol itself.  Without it she couldn't have come this far.  Hope is how she moves forward and seeks to help others find it.