Douglas Little Bison, a sculptor inspired by his Native American heritage, recently opened Blackfish Gallery in La Conner.

Bison’s heritage as the great-grandson of Big Foot (SiTanka), leader of Miniconjou-Lakota, whose Sioux band perished at Wounded Knee, S. D. in the winter of 1890, deeply influences his art. The massacre at Wounded Knee was the last and most tragic confrontation between American Indians and U.S. troops. Bison’s great-grandfather was among the first killed.

Little Bison, a son of Big Foot and Douglas Bison’s grandfather, survived. He fled during the battle into Nebraska, where he worked for a number of years on cattle ranches from Nebraska to Texas. The farmer later sent him to a language school on the East Coast, where Little Bison met his future wife, a Scottish immigrant.

Bison began sculpting in 1980. What he learned of his heritage spurred an attention to detail in depicting the Native American people and the wildlife that was fundamental to their lives.

Bison recreates this union between man and animal through the medium of bronze.

“I want to perpetuate the indigenous people, the Native Americans,” Bison said in a press release. “They had an incredible history. If you can keep putting their life and culture in front of the public, in my case through my art, they’ll not be forgotten.”

Bison’s sculpture, honored with numerous awards, is now found in collections throughout the United States and Canada. He also regularly accepts commission work.

Bison moved his gallery from Friday Harbor to La Conner. Blackfish Gallery is located at 112 Morris St., La Conner and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information call 360-317-8972, visit www.bisonbronze.com or email gallery@bisonbronze.com.