Students Enjoy Anishinaabe Youth Art & Emerging Entrepreneur Camp 8-12-16
Joseph V. Sowmick - August 12, 2016
Team Observer was on location with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College at Ziibiwing Center for the Anishinaabe Youth Art & Emerging Entrepreneur Camp. The August 8-12 weeklong series of art workshop sessions with Anishinaabe master artists is made possible through an SCTC collaborative effort with the Ziibiwing Center and a USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant.
The first Monday workshop featured Tribal Elder and Master Artisan Kent Jackson as he shared a teaching and practical knowledge on how to make a rawhide ceremonial shaker. Tribal Artisans Adam Avery and Lisa Kennedy of Niishode (Two Hearts) Anishinaabe Arts assisted the students on Tuesday in the creation of quill boxes.
Adam Avery and I were influenced by two quill artists. Our first teacher was Jonita M. Zephier, from Marty, South Dakota, she taught us the art of quill wrapping on hide. Our second teacher is Ronald J. Paquin is a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians,” Kennedy said. “Ron has taught us to work quills on birch bark (frames, containers, and quill boxes). Adam Avery has spent the last two and half years working with Ron learning the tradition of birch bark canoe making.” Kennedy and Avery was assisted by SCTC Camp Coordinator Shuna Stevens and ZCS Visitor Services Coordinator Renata Borton and ZCS Sales and ZCS Assistant Director Judy Pamp.
Seventh Generation Cultural Representative Ben Hinmon provided a Wednesday cedar box workshop and taught students how to burn designs on wood and how to glue the wood together in a good way. On Thursday, Tribal Artist Kelly Church instructed the students on the fine art of black ash basket making. The youth concluded the week long experience by setting up their show case in the changing exhibit and learning how to market their products.
The community enjoyed a feast and awards ceremony where each of the students were able to show their appreciation for having the wonderful opportunity.