Susan Seal looks on with pride at her uncle’s work.

“I don’t think he ever anticipated that his work would finally be recognized by our military,” said Susan Seal.

And just that will happen Saturday during the commissioning of USS Wichita LCS 13. Seal said her uncle, Blackbear Bosin, was her hero.

“I watched him as an artisan, to paint and create pieces of art that would have amazed you,” said Seal. “And then of course to watch him create his largest creation, the Keeper of the Plains statue.”

The statue that inspired USS Wichita’s Motto “Keeper of the Seas.”

“It has that same meaning,” said Seal. “It’s watching over, it’s protecting.”

Seal will give a special presentation during the ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. All while wearing traditional Native American clothing.

“It’s very similar to what you see here,” said Seal pointing to a picture of a woman dressed in traditional Native American clothing. “It’s buck skin, cut beads, and it weighs any where from about 40 pounds plus.”

Paying tribute to both her uncle and her heritage.

“I hope that I can convey the exact feeling that the Native people and the pride that the Native people will have in this,” said Seal.