Join STEPS and Myseum of Toronto for an online workshop on creating birch bark baskets and exploring our connection to the land.
This project features a medicinal walk video about the interconnectedness of the trees, plants, wildlife, and the Humber River, led by James Carpenter, as well as a participatory birch bark basket workshop led by Lindsey Lickers.
Following the medicine walk, participants will be guided through a reflective exercise and presentation that will dive deeper into their current relationship with the land base they reside on, the environment at large, and how this relationship has been strengthened by the knowledge shared.
Rooted in an expanded understanding of the importance of connecting to land, utilizing natural materials combined with personalized symbolism of these learnings, will be actualized through the medium of basket making.
The aim of this workshop is to share one way that Indigenous peoples honour this relationship through craft and provide an opportunity for participants to experience first-hand the interconnectedness in all things, while also honouring their own experiences, histories and relationships with the basket serving as the keeper of this new awareness.
Following this workshop participants will have created a miniature birch bark basket used in medicine gathering. An online exhibit will present the final work alongside the creative process and learnings. Participation includes exhibiting final work as part of a virtual exhibit.
Workshop material kits will be provided and available for pick-up from June 10–18, 2021 (locations to be confirmed with registrants). To secure a material kit, please contact renee@stepspublicart.org by June 15. There is no cost to this option, but please note that supply is limited and only 30 basket kits are available for pick-up.
Saturday, June 19, 2021
1–3pm EDT
Hosted via Zoom by Myseum
ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
Lindsey Lickers
Lindsey Lickers, ‘Mushkiiki Nibi’ (Medicine Water) is Turtle Clan originally from Six Nations of the Grand River, with matriarchal ties to the Mississauga’s of Credit First Nation. She has been a practicing artist specializing in painting, beading and community arts facilitation going on fifteen years. In 2019, Lindsey was awarded an International Women’s Day Award (City of Toronto) recognizing her unique synthesis of public art, Indigenous women’s issues and governance.
James Carpenter
James Carpenter is a recognized Traditional Healer. He has mixed Ojibwa and Cree and Chippewa ancestry from James Bay, Chippewa of the Thames, and Alderville, Ontario. He speaks English as well as some Ojibwa and Cree.
Since 2003 James has worked as an Oshkabewis (helper) at Anishnawbe Health Toronto under the tutelage of various Traditional Healers in the Traditional Healing Services Program. He has gained the respect and knowledge of various healers and has progressed to the point of using his gifts at Anishnawbe Health Toronto with the purpose of helping our communities heal. James has an ability to connect and work with the ancestors and spirit helpers. Working with youth and their families is an area of strength which has become an integral component of community healing.
Acknowledgements
From Weeds We Grow is part of the Arts in the Parks program. It has been made possible through generous support from Toronto Arts Foundation, Toronto Arts Council and the City of Toronto.
We extend our thanks to Culture Days Ontario for their partnership. This project will also be featured as part of 2021 programming.
PROJECT PARTNERS
From Weeds We Grow has been made possible through generous support from
