Expressions of identity

Page 27

Smudge bowls, quill boxes, beadwork and soapstone carvings were just some of the projects completed recently by 16 students from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in Thunder Bay. Grade 11 students took special art workshops with Toronto artists Philip Cote and Rebecca Baird. Blending tradition with modern techniques and materials produced an array of wonderfully artistic pieces.

This intermingling of new and old was especially interesting. For one project, students began with a sketch in traditional Woodland style, used the sketch as a template which finished as a decorated copper structure.

Deer and elk hide was ornamented using modern heat transfers. During art instructions, Cote and Baird explained how First Nations teachings can be valuable tools in modern self expression.

The students really enjoyed sculpting soapstone bears. White dust covered them and everything around them. Young sculptor Chris Anishinabe said, "It's a messy job but it's worth it. It was awesome. I'd like to do this again."

For most of the students, it was their first time working with soapstone, files, knives and saws.

"Skills learned in the workshop include patience, perseverance, hand-eye coordination, sharing, tool use, safety, and hard work," said Cote.

Baird calls her installation art program, "Who Am I?" Eileen Koostachin's grandmother gave her an eagle name so the teen's artwork depicts eagles.

"I'm trying to describe my point of view in my art," she explained.

Baird said, "As a First Nations artist with 10 years teaching experience, I've learned that helping kids to say something about themselves is absolutely vital."

The school was fortunate to get Baird and Cote to put on these workshops. A well known artist since the 1980s, Baird has been involved in educational workshops through the Art Gallery of Ontario "Artists with Their Work" program where she explored Native art with several thousand students. Cote has been exhibiting his art since 1992 and giving stone carving instruction since 1999. A grant from the Ontario Art Council made their trip to Thunder Bay possible.

Offering this workshop is especially impressive because the school only opened its doors in October 2000. It is a part of the Northern Nishnawbe Educational Council (NNEC), which services 23 Northern Ontario communities and provides in-school high school programs, counselling, boarding homes, and more. Half the teachers at school are Aboriginal. Ojibway and Oji-Cree courses are taught, an Elders' mentoring program is in place, and First Nations views and issues are discussed. The bottom line for this student-centred service is to have students graduate.