M’CHIGEENG—The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation is a hive of activity this summer, with a newly revamped schedule of exhibitions and cultural enhancement events taking place throughout the summer.
“It’s a really exciting time at the OCF; we’re celebrating exhibits in our main gallery from the OCF collection of James Simon and Martin Panamick, Duncan Pheasant is exhibiting in our other gallery,” said Art Director Anong Beam. “While on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, in cooperation with the Owen Sound Transportation Company, we are getting ready to show Christian Chapman from Fort William First Nation. We are welcoming Barry Ace in August for an exhibition in partnership with the Art Gallery of Sudbury and getting a catalogue program running that documents these exhibitions. I’m honoured and excited to be at the OCF and to be involved with these artists and initiatives.”
Every Thursday evening throughout the summer the ‘Cultural Expressions’ craft night takes place at the OCF building from 6 pm to 9 pm, while in the daytime on Thursday, the Artisan Market runs 10 am to 1 pm throughout the months of July and August. Vendors can book a table for $10 at the market.
The art of Duncan Pheasant will be on display at the OCF gallery until July 29. Mr. Pheasant, whose work is based on stories and legends of the Anishinaabe, is also a consummate storyteller, and his works often include a short explanation of the inspiration of the work.
On July 21, Australian artist Christian Chapman’s exhibit ‘Kings and Queens’ opens at 5 pm and an open microphone evening will commence at 6 pm. Mr. Chapman will be holding an opening talk on July 21 and will follow-up with a screen-print workshop on July 22.
On July 22, famed Anishinaabe carver and elder Gordon Waindubence will give a talk on ‘Clans and Colours’ beginning at 10 am. While this presentation is aimed at those wishing to learn more about their own clan and colours, this presentation is open to everyone who wishes to learn more about the Anishinaabe clan system and heritage.
On July 29, Mr. Waindubence will present ‘Meaning of the Preamble Teachings: interpreting a prayer that we use,’ beginning at 10 am. This presentation is also open to everyone.
On August 9 and 10 the OCF is co-hosting a gathering of the Three Fires Confederacy in Sheguiandah Heritage Park. This gathering is also free to everyone.
Well known local Anishinaabe knowledge keeper and historian Alan Corbiere’s ‘Teachings’ runs from August 16 to 18, each evening from 7 pm to 9 pm. Everyone is also welcome to attend these free events. On August 16, the Teaching will be ‘Ogimaawin: Historic Chieftainship and Anishinaabe Governance,’ on August 17 the Teaching will be ‘The 1836 Manitowaning Treaty: History and Translation,’ while August 18’s Teaching will be ‘Anishinaabebiige: Literary efforts of J.B. Assiginack, Francis Assikinack and John Edawashcaush.”
