This painting celebrates the life and legacy of Susie Yellowtail, a woman who bridged two worlds with compassion and strength. As one of the first Native American registered nurses, Susie navigated the challenges of Western medicine while holding close the healing wisdom of her Apsáalooke (Crow) heritage.

Each stage of her journey is woven into this piece—from her early days as a young girl entering a foreign world to her return to the community, where she practiced a powerful blend of medical training and traditional knowledge. Tobacco, a sacred plant to the Apsáalooke people, appears throughout as a symbol of her roots, resilience, and the enduring spirit of her culture.

Susie Yellowtail, a pathfinder who forever changed her community’s access to health and wellness.