Nawapon Noël: where heritage and holiday magic merge

Posted on Thursday, December 19th, 2024

The festive spirit is in full effect at the Ottawa Campus. holiday tree in Nawapon

Decorative touches can be seen in cubicles, on office doors and in shared spaces in buildings, labs and classrooms.

In Nawapon, a special tree has been set up and its lovely branches are sporting some unique, beautiful and meaningful ornaments.

“The decorations come from Anishinàbe Algonquin people, from the land and from our Indigenous students,” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Algonquin College. “What a wonderful way for the College to honour our students and the Host Nation.”

The Anishinàbe style ornaments were handcrafted by various artisans from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinàbeg and the Long Point First Nation (two communities that are a part of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation).

Jenny Buckshot Tenasco (a Knowledge Keeper and Residential School Survivor from Kitigan Zibi) crafted some of the birch bark ornaments. Bridget McDougall (an Elder who is in her early 90s from Kitigan Zibi) crafted the beaded leather ornaments.

Patricia Polson, a crafter from the Long Point First Nation and employee of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation Tribal Council, crafted a drum that includes the Algonquin College logo. Finally, Lena Polson (a Knowledge Keeper and former Anishinàbemowin language teacher) crafted a beaded bear, a beaded moose, a miniature horse with real horsehair, beaded round ornaments and birch bark stars.

Indigenous students who frequent the Mamidosewin Centre crafted some of the beautiful sealskin and leather ornaments with the help of Summer Wabasse, Vanessa Stevens, Wendiiosta Horn and an Inuit Knowledge Keeper.

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Top and middle photos: samples of some of the handmade decorations.

Bottom: Patricia and Lena Polson, two of the women who made some of the decorations on display.


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