Creative Connection with Dr. Maureen Matthews and Elaine & Joshua Owen
Tuesday February 4 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
In 1995, Dr. Maureen Matthews made a promise to the respected Anishinaabe elder Charlie George Owen, that she would photograph the objects in the Pauingassi collection and make a book so that the children in the community would know about the lives and accomplishments of their ancestors. Wanting to help with the promise to Elaine Owen’s grandfather in law, Elaine and Joshua (Graysville, MB residents) supported and assisted Dr. Matthews who has worked for nearly 30 years on this project. Now the book has finally been published.
Join us in the library to hear the remarkable story behind this stunning large-format coffee table book that will be available for purchase.
Gete-izhichigewinan abinoonziishag ji-gikino’amawind. Gaawiin aaniish wiin godino michi-mazinaatesingin goda wiin wedi izhaamagakin ji-waabandamowaad ini. Zhigwa dash, daa-dibaadodewan aaniin gaa-ayinaabadakin ono abinoonzhiishag ji-gikendamowaad.
The children should know about the ancient practices. If the pictures of the collection were taken back to the community for them to be seen, it would not cause a problem. And in this way, they could tell the uses of the ceremonial objects so the children would know.
O’owe aki gaa-ayaanjinaagwak. Gegooneni-ziigwang, gaa-ani-oshki-nitaawigi-, gaa-minonaagwak ikido. Mii ‘iwe dinoowikaan, endinoowikaaniwang ninaanaagadawenjigan. Omishoosh
The world is changing. It’s like in the spring, when things begin to blossom, when it begins to look beautiful. It’s like that. That’s what it seems like to my understanding when someone has that kind of knowledge. Omishoosh (Charlie George) Owe”