Wiigwas Manidoog Visiting lək̓ʷəŋən Territories
Ojibway artist Helen Pelletier
Opening Night
Friday, February 28
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
2620 Rock Bay Ave (Upstairs)
Helen Pelletier’s creations in ‘Wiigwas Visiting lək̓ʷəŋən Territories’, hold and express the love she feels for the land and her relationship with Wiigwas, or birchbark. Her etched baskets, garments, and accessories are sacred creations that come from carefully harvested birchbark, in the forest near her home on the sacred territory of Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain). Pelletier’s art is rooted in Ojibway imagery, teachings, and traditions, while simultaneously embracing contemporary design and use.
We are so grateful Wiigwas Manidoog has come to visit and honoured to host these stunning creations which highlight Indigenous brilliance.
Wela’lin to all who have made it possible for Wiigwas Manidoog and @helendawnp to come visit! We are grateful stewards. We raise our hands to the artist, @thunderbayartgallery, @onlychildhandicrafts for making this dream a reality.
Artist Bio
Helen Pelletier is an Anishinabe kwe from Fort William First Nation. Helen has worked with Wiigwas for twenty years and recently developed a relationship with winter birchbark and sgraffito style etching. Helen credits her Wiigwas knowledge to family, community, elders, and friends. Helen has exhibited her work in “Their Breath in Beads” (2019) and the Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition in 2019 and 2022 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Helen also exhibited her work Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival marketplace in the Northern Ontario Spotlight in 2020.
image: Helen Pelletier on Fort William First Nation.
All images by: Chondron Photography.
Check out Helen's Harvesting and Processes on her TikTok @helendawn1973
