A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Ruth Seymour, a well-known seamstress and beader, points to the vamp she created.
Tracy Thompson, Karrie Benedict (immediate left and right of display) along with NNATC staff at the "We Were Children - Shiiakwaksha'okon:'a" opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Anna Thompson, a well-known beader points to the vamp she beaded for the 'We Were Children' exhibit.
Iakonikonriiosta, NNATC new manager and Tracey Thompson, owner of The Bead Shack.
Another view of the beaded vamps – all created by Akwesasne community members.
"We Were Children - Shiiakwaksha'okon:'a" is one of many moccasin/vamp installations across the United States and Canada. This project came about when Tracey Thompson first heard about the 215 children's remains found in Kamloops, BC. The Native North American Traveling College (NNATC) offered assistance in whatever capacity they could. The purpose of this project was to provide a space for healing within our community, to honor those affected, and as a way to educate our non-natives relatives about what has happened to our ancestors and relatives. The effect of residential schools is still felt today, and there is an ongoing fight for justice to those lost, those who survived, and those affected.
Tracey Thompson, owner of The Bead Shack, spearheaded this project, teaching workshops, providing materials, curating, and executing this project. Karrie Benedict also taught workshops to bead the vamps and assisted with NNATC staff in the curation and installation of "We Were Chidlren".
The Kawehnoke Recreation, Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum, CKON Community Recipient Fund also supported this project.
Vamps were made by:
Aimee Benedict
Alison Benedict -Kiawenniserathe
Amanda Sunday
Amy Maracle
Angela Benedict
Angie Thompson
Anna Thompson
Arya Rose Benedict
Barb Smoke
Becky Benedict
Becky Bero
Brenda Jocko
Brittany Michaud
Charity Lazore
Cheryl Jacobs
Cheyenne Jocko
Connie Sunday
Cynthia B. Benedict
Debbie Point
Donna Roundpoint
Geri Sunday
Grace Point
Holly Pyke
Iakonikonriiostha
Iewennokwas
Iaonhawinon
Iris Herne
Jackie Cree
Kanohkwahawi -Lorna Maie
Thomas
Jenny David
Kahentakta
Katelynn Delormier Karrie Benedict
Laura Barnes
Laurie Smoke
Maggie Conners Deforge
Margie Skidders
Nanci Ransum
Nikaiata'a Skidders
Patti Francis
R.W. Benedict
Rachel David
Sadie Thompson
Sally Martin
Samantha "Tigger" Thompson
Stacy Montour
Sue Ellen Herne
Tisha Benedict
Tracey Thompson
Tracy King
Tsiotehraien Ruthie Seymour
Tricia Benedict
Terry Cree Tsotawe
'We Were Children' will be on display at NNATC until Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibit from the hours of 9am to 4pm daily.
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