Lee DeCora Francis
TRIBAL AFFILIATION: Penobscot Indian Nation
MEDIUM: Clothing
ARTIST STATEMENT
Lee DeCora Francis (Penobscot and Ho-Chunk) is an educator, artist, author, and community leader whose work is grounded in Indigenous education, cultural revitalization, and service to her people. Over the past two decades, she has served as a teacher, school leader, Tribal Councilor, and advocate for Native communities while working to strengthen relationships between culture, identity, and learning. Through Sokolaponsis Designs, Lee brings those same values into her artistic practice. Drawing inspiration from ribbonwork traditions, Wabanaki artistry, and the lands and waters of her homelands, she creates contemporary Indigenous pieces that blend traditional influences with modern design. Her work explores themes of resilience, beauty, belonging, and connection across generations. Guided by the teachings of her ancestors, Lee creates pieces that honor those who came before, celebrate those with us today, and carry stories forward for future generations.
