mawemoscikewin (2019)

Various inherited materials, repurposed wedding gown.

In this work I engage with Roman Catholic iconography reinterpreted through an indigenous perspective in order to implement a reclaimation of the sacred within the historical context of churchrun residential schools in so-called Canada. Catholicism in my family can be traced directly back to this history, and so my relationship with the church is deeply entwined with feelings of loss, displacement, and control. I constructed these garments as part of a process of reconnection in which I utilize the tools and languages which were imposed on me, but use them to my own ends and for my own healing, subverting the Catholic church. As a child I fixated on depictions of the Virgin Mary; blue robes flowing, gentle hands posed and sometimes even divine tears crawling down her pale cheek. She cries not only for the sins of the world, but for her own earthly suffering. I think also of the immense loss of culture and freedom indigenous peoples experienced and continue to grapple with in this country. In making my garments, I was also inspired greatly by the ecclesiastical garments of priests in mass, which have many layers and significance, and sometimes prayers which are to be said while dressing. Liturgical vestments are garments which are carefully made and infused with hundreds of years of history and symbolism which connect the wearer to their divine purpose. I made a blue under-robe and a cope, a garment worn by many members of the ordained clergy, as well as often by angels in depictions. They may be extremely ornate and rich but even the more basic robes of priests in everyday services are sometimes quite detailed, and the rich tones of blue green and gold are striking. One of the things I was always drawn to in church was the richness and beauty of these robes. I wanted to create robes for myself that have the same care and attention, yet serve what I claim as Sacred for myself. The four elements in Cree culture, water (shells), earth (hide), wind (feathers) and fire (my spirit) are represented, as can be found in traditional Cree dresses. I also created a beaded cross choker, my stand in for the Christian pectoral cross.

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frozen heart (2019)

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wapos/wayan/asakay (2019)