The St. Paul Visual Arts Centre is hosting an open discussion about the legacy of Residential Schools straight from the mouth of someone who lived through it on Sunday.
Mikîsihkahcikêwin (pronounced Meeki-seeka-see-kawin) is a Cree word for to bead or create together and will be held from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.
“It’s an art workshop combined with storytelling,” explains artist Lana Whiskeyjack, who is organizing the workshop. “It’s about creating a safe space for sharing stories around the Indian Residential School experience. Of course, we’re in a time where we’re talking a lot about reconciliation between Indigenous people and non-indigenous in our nation. My auntie, who is a residential school survivor, Alsena White will be coming to share her experience.”
While the stories are being told and discussions take place, everybody who attends will get to bead their own floral design and be taught how.
“It’s meant to create a safe place for people to ask questions who might not know about (residential schools.)” Whiskeyjack adds that they’ll also be sharing about aspects of Cree culture as well.
Although the event is free, space is limited. If you can’t make Sunday’s session, another one is scheduled for February 19th. Whiskeyjack says there’s more in the works after that.
“Winter for us Cree people is our story telling season so in the spring, summer and fall we’re hoping to do some outdoor medicine walks so we can teach about our connection to the land as well. Hopefully we can get more participants and more questions and good dialogue to happen.”