Library invites residents to celebrate Indigenous History Month

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library invites residents to join the virtual celebration of the National Indigenous History Month throughout June.

On June 8, Makayla Webkamigad will tell stories of her grandmother’s life story and experience in residential school.

On June 15, visitors will be shown the quill and beadwork of Cassidi and Justin

On June 29, the Voices of Bawating Series will show the final presentation. On the same day, Frank Belleau, artist and maker of Bagaa Adowe (Lacrosse) sticks, will show a clip where he uses family heirloom tools and modern devices to keep Bagaa Adowe alive in his home community and across Turtle Island.

For more information, read the press release below:

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library invites you to celebrate National Indigenous History Month throughout June.

The Voices of Bawating video series will once again be shown on the Library’s YouTube channel.

Our special guests this year include:

• On June 1, experience the incredible work of Anishinaabe artist Ray Fox in residence at the Sault Ste. Marie Museum. You will not want to miss this video profile of a talented man whose culture is evident and celebrated in any medium he puts his hand to.
• On June 8, enjoy the beautiful voice of Makayla Webkamigad as she tells her Nokomis’ (grandmother’s) life story and residential school experience. Makayla’s insightfulness and words will have you in awe of her poetic abilities and her ability to articulate the heartbreak and resilience of Turtle Island’s original people.
• On June 15, enjoy the remarkable quill and beadwork of Cassidi and Justin. Their creations are truly dynamic and colourful. Do not miss out on seeing Cassidi and Justin’s wonderful artwork.
• June 29, be sure to view the final presentation from the Voices of Bawating Series and meet Frank Belleau, artist and maker of Bagaa Adowe (Lacrosse) sticks. Belleau has recently returned from Thunder Bay, where he was teaching the skills of shaping Ash wood into traditional sticks used to play “The Creator’s Game.” In this interesting clip, you will see the creation from start to finish as Belleau uses family heirloom tools and modern devices to keep Bagaa Adowe alive in his home community and across Turtle Island.

The Voices of Bawating video series will be available on the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library's YouTube channel.

Further information is available by calling 705-759-5236 or on the library website.