Michael McLeod Sr.

Bad River Band Chippewa

Michael Anthony McLeod was born September 2, 1955 in Rapid City, SD. He is an enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Chippewa. His grandfather was Flathead; his father is Chippewa; his grandmother is Oglala and his mother is Salish. He was raised by his grandparents and spent his early years near the Bad River Band reservation in Ashland, WI. After Mike’s grandfather died in 1964, his family moved back to Rapid City.

Mike began to draw and paint early in his life. His fascination with history and western art continues to be an inspiration as he meticulously researches and creates thoughtful reproductions of 19th Century Plains Nations arts and crafts.

Mike considers himself self-taught. His versatility is unique as he works with several different media, combining old techniques and methods with new ideas and creative thought. His tanned buffalo, elk and deer hides are embellished with pigments in a stately visual presentation of box and border, pictograph and the feather circle robe designs on the 19th Century.

In the spring of 1990 Mike made the decision to devote full time to his arts and crafts. His finished works reflect the dedication of the discipline required in his profession. Mike is a Native American who is proudly preserving the history of his people.