Ozhitoon jii-Miigiweng (to create and to share) provides Indigenous and non-Indigenous emerging artists, professional artists and educators of all Nations an inclusive opportunity to learn how to respectfully incorporate Indigenous perspectives and protocols into their art and education practices.

This workshop will be held in person at Creative Manitoba over two days.

Day 1 – Friday, March 7, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Day 2 – Saturday, March 8, 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Tea, coffee and lunch will be available.

Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and artists Albert McLeod (Cree) and Lita Fontaine (Dakota/Anishinaabe), will facilitate in guiding participants through a holistic hands-on experience enhancing the learning of Self and Indigenous Ways of Knowing.

All Nations of educators, students and art enthusiasts who would like to acquire Indigenous knowledge through the making of a Sacred Hoop/Mandala are welcome.

This workshop will be influenced by the making of a Sacred Hoop or mandala. The meaning of the Sacred Hoop is in many ways the same as what is found in various land-based cultures. The word mandala itself simply means “circle” in Sanskrit, symbolizing the universe. As Indigenous people, we believe that the shape represents:

• The circle of life and the path from birth to death
• The unification of people, nature, and the spiritual in a cyclical form
• A way to connect with Creator

While Sacred Hoops and mandalas are used as physical forms of design in many communities, the circular pattern is also essential to ceremonial practices, teachings, and rituals. It is found in many dances, both in individual movements and as a greater movement around a central point- often a fire or important figure. It can be found at the base of a tipi, in dreamcatchers, in the shape of a drum, in the form of hoops, and in the creation of pottery, baskets, beadwork, and the medicine wheel. The making of the Sacred Hoop represents the interwoven threads of creation, our relation to self and community, Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon and the wonder of diversity in Mother Earth.

While we focus on the ethos of our circular ways of Indigenous thinking, this workshop will also include:

• Indigenous perspectives and protocols
• Collaboration strategies that promote reconciliation
• Incorporating land-based knowledge into their work
• How to decolonize education and art-based practices

All supplies will be provided. We are asking each participant to bring in something personal to incorporate into their own Sacred Hoop. It can be a photo (no original photos please, copies are fine), ribbons, buttons, natural items, or anything that holds meaning for you.

Space is limited to 15 participants. Registration is open until March 3, 2024 at 5 pm.