We are thrilled to announce that contemporary ledger artist Gordon Henry is a featured artist at Native American Greeting Cards. As the country’s first Indigenous-owned greeting card company, our mission is to create a dedicated space where Native American artists are authentically represented. By featuring Gordon Henry’s striking, narrative ledger illustrations, we are bringing a powerful piece of living history directly into the greeting card industry.
About the Artist: Rooted in Tradition:
Gordon Henry is of Chippewa Cree and Blackfeet descent, with deep roots on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation in Box Elder, Montana. After sharpening his creative skills and earning a degree in Visual and Media Arts from the University of Montana in Missoula, Henry relocated his studio to Spokane, Washington.
Henry’s art masterfully explores traditional Plains Indian culture(s), such as the family unit, marriage, pow-wow dancers, warriors on horseback, hunters and animals. His vibrant use of color, airbrushing, and acrylics creates a stunning, modern contrast against the antique paper backgrounds he uses for his canvas.
Reclaiming the Canvas: The History of Ledger Art:
To fully appreciate Henry’s work, one must understand the profound history of Native American ledger art. During the 19th century, as Plains tribes faced forced relocation onto government reservations, traditional painting surfaces like buffalo hides became incredibly scarce.
In a powerful act of strategic adaptation, Indigenous artists repurposed discarded accounting ledger books, vouchers, and blueprints left behind by traders and government agents. They utilized these tools of colonization to document their own histories, tribal victories, and changing worldviews. Henry carries this tradition forward today by sourcing genuine historical documents—like a 1918 City of Butte voucher register or a 1907 county record page—and mapping contemporary Native perspectives directly over them.
A Collaboration Worth Celebrating:
This partnership seamlessly blends fine art with everyday connection. Notably, our birthday card collaboration with Gordon Henry was featured at the 2025 Greeting Card Association GCA Louie Awards in Las Vegas. The event marked a historic milestone with its first-ever category "Celebrating Indigenous Cultures," recognizing Indigenous contributions to the greeting card industry.
Whether it is a vibrant Fancy Dancer celebrating a birthday or a sacred horse design honoring an anniversary, Henry's cards are more than just a greeting—they are a piece of portable, historical storytelling.
Want to send a piece of history to someone you love? Explore our latest eco-friendly premium hemp collections on the Native American Greeting Cards Instagram Page to see Gordon Henry's full lineup of all-occasion cards!