"Indigenous Creations of the Natural World" Exhibit Opens at the St. Lawrence Power Development Visitors Center

On April 22, 2016, at the St. Lawrence Power Development Visitors Center, an exhibit unveiling took place. This exhibit was created through a partnership between the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Native North American Traveling College (NNATC). The exhibit "Indigenous Creations of the Natural World" showcases artifacts from the Native North American Travelling College as well as archaeological findings from Drouler's Archaeological Site and the University of Montreal. Amanda Tarbell, NNATC and Darren Bonaparte were instrumental in the creation of this exhibit.

At the unveiling reception Brent Stajkowski, Manager at OPG's R.H. Saunders Generating Station, welcomed everyone and invited Shatekaronhioton Fox, NNATC, to say the Ohenton Karihwatehkwen. Sarah Rourke, Director of the NNATC, then gave a brief speech about the five-year partnership between OPG and NNATC. She mentioned that the Travelling College doesn't get a lot of traffic, so it's great that some of the artifacts are going to be showcased at the St. Lawrence Power Development Visitors Center.

John Hefford, Ontario Power Generation Regional Plant Manager, stated, "Our relationship with the NNATC is valued."

Following, Darren Bonaparte spoke about the artifacts in the exhibit. The theme of the exhibit is creations of the natural world, therefore meaning that all the artifacts were made by hand from the use of natural materials found in the environment. "Each item has a specific form, function and style," stated Bonaparte. Artifacts showcased include quill dyed moccasins, bark and gourd rattles, clay pieces and a lacrosse display. "We were innovating new things while staying true to our culture and people," added Bonaparte.

Lastly, Teha'nikonhrathe Brant spoke about lacrosse and the significance of the wooden lacrosse stick, which is traditionally crafted out of hickory. Brant mentioned that men should model their life as well as their lacrosse game after the wooden stick because of the stick's flexibility and netting, which is representative of team work and community.

"We appreciate that there are people who still know how to make wooden lacrosse sticks and that there is currently a revival happening in Akwesasne as well as in other territories" said Brant.

Shatekaronhioton Fox spoke about the traditional relationship between lacrosse and women.

May 13-14, 2016 marks the Akwesasne Tewa'a:raton Festival, which will take place at the Anowara'ko:wa Arena and will feature various speakers, clinics, educational booths, vendors and food.

As the official reception concluded, students from Kanatakon School and community members were given the opportunity to get a better view of the artifacts on display.

The "Indigenous Creations of the Natural World" display is expected to run until Fall 2016. The St. Lawrence Power Development Visitors Center is located at 2500 B Second Street West, Cornwall for those interested in visiting the exhibit.