An Indigenous Fearless Sister

Ascending Girl.

A fearless sister is coming to Phoenix, Arizona. Join us for her public unveiling during National Native American Heritage Month.

November 21 unveiling details

Open to everyone. No registration required.

A first glimpse of Ascending Girl from behind, showing her braided hair and symbols on her dress.

Photo: Michele D. Lee

A historic public unveiling

Be there when the world first sees Ascending Girl.

On Saturday, November 21, 2026, join us at the Arizona State Capitol for the first public unveiling of Ascending Girl. Witness the moment her story is shared with the world.

This gathering honors Indigenous identity, cultural continuity, and the leadership of women and girls in the heart of Arizona’s civic life. Bring your family and friends, and stay for music, speakers, vendors, and food trucks.

Join us at Wesley Bolin Plaza

Open to the public. No registration required.

DateSaturday, November 21, 2026During National Native American Heritage Month

Time10 a.m. to noonArizona time

PlaceWesley Bolin Plaza
Arizona State Capitol1700 W Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

AdmissionOpen to the publicNo registration needed

October 12, 2026 · Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Public Announcement

The first public announcement of Ascending Girl took place at the Women20 (W20) USA International Summit in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 12, 2026. She stands in solidarity with Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and, through the W20 sisterhood, with women and girls around the world.

Visit Women20.org

Close view of Ascending Girl’s sculpted clothing and moccasin against a black background.

The story

Standing strong. Looking forward.

This sculpture reflects a journey shaped by challenge, growth, and lived experience. Ascending Girl stands grounded and aware of what approaches her. She understands that not everything is meant to enter her space. What begins as a defensive stance evolves into awareness, confidence, responsibility, and growth.

She represents more than an individual figure. She embodies a sense of sacredness and a genuine expression of Indigenous identity, carrying knowledge, memory, and responsibility that are not always easily expressed through language.

Her presence is rooted in matrilineal teachings. Her identity comes through the mother, through lineage, clan, language, story, ceremony, and land. Women play a central role in maintaining cultural continuity while adapting to change. Their leadership is often not highly visible, but it is essential and foundational.

Sovereignty, as reflected in this piece, is lived through daily practice, the continuation of culture and language as they move forward in time.

Her clothing connects her to her ancestors. Her strength is inherited, not created in isolation. Through her expression, she communicates reassurance, not by ignoring hardship, but by reflecting resilience, continuity, and connection.

A global family

The Fearless Sisters

Ascending Girl joins a growing global family of artworks honoring the courage, leadership, and potential of women and girls. These works include Brave Dancer Mercedes Baptista in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Fearless Girl in New York City, United States and Fearless Thinker in Sandton, South Africa. Together, these figures reinforce a shared message: women and girls are not only representatives of the future, but active and capable participants in the present.

Ascending Girl recognizes the essential role of women, especially Indigenous women, across every area of society. She reminds us that uplifting women is not merely symbolic; it is essential to balance, continuity, and collective well-being. As part of the wider Fearless Sisters movement, she represents a world in which every woman and girl is seen, valued, and included, and no one is overlooked.

Brave Dancer Mercedes BaptistaRio de Janeiro, Brazil
Fearless GirlNew York City, USA
Fearless ThinkerSandton, South Africa
Ascending GirlPhoenix, Arizona, USA

Her symbols

The details carry her story.

**Ascending Girl** will be placed in public space with intention. She is not meant to be decorative; she is meant to be acknowledged.

Her traditional clothing, moccasins, and jewelry represent identity, protection, and continuity.

The symbols incorporated into her attire connect Indigenous nations across the northern and southern hemispheres, affirming that these cultures are living, interconnected, and ongoing.

**She wears symbols representing unity and solidarity.**

Together, these elements express unity among Indigenous peoples and affirm their enduring connection to one another and the wider world.

Why she matters

Her Significance

Placed in public space with intention, Ascending Girl asks us to recognize what has always been present: Indigenous identity, knowledge, strength, and women’s leadership.

For young people: Inspiring confidence, identity, leadership, and possibility, especially among Indigenous girls.
For Tribal communities: Honoring Indigenous identity, sovereignty, cultural continuity, and women’s leadership.
For the state: Creating visible Indigenous representation within civic and governmental spaces.
For the nation: Advancing dialogue about equality, representation, Indigenous rights, and cultural recognition.
For the world: Elevating voices and women’s leadership with Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas and in solidarity with women and girls around the world.

Beyond the unveiling

A story that will travel.

After the November 21 unveiling, plans call for Ascending Girl to visit communities across Arizona. The proposed traveling exhibition will bring the sculpture to cities led by women mayors and invite participation from Tribal leaders connected to each place.

Each stop is intended to give people time to encounter her, learn the story behind her symbols, and reflect on the leadership of Indigenous women and girls. Locations and dates will be shared as plans are confirmed.