From Cara Krmpotich
| On June 9-10, 2023, we had our first in-person GRASAC Gathering since our time at Rama First Nation in May 2019. Hosted by our friends and GRASAC co-founders, the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, folks gathered to share news about exhibitions, treaty research, Anishinaabeg books old and new, Anishinaabemowin, and land stewardship and governance. We were able to virtually meet colleagues at the North American Native Museum (NONAM) in Zürich, Switzerland, who are teaming up with GRASAC to connect Great Lakes nations with the collections they steward. Naomi Recollet and Shaelynn Recollet shared a very special story about the repatriation of a treaty pipe, dew claw bandolier, and string of beads to Mnidoo Mnising, and their work to reconnect the pipe with the kids and communities there. The pipe connected many minds, with people offering expertise on wampum, beads, and pipe protocols. Attendees were also invited to try out the soon-to-be released (Fall 2023!) GRASAC Knowledge Sharing platform – a more user-friendly, and re-vamped GKS. Our work together was opened on Friday by Elder Josh Eshkawkogan, and on Saturday by Elder Evelyn Roy. Carrying their words with us, attendees learned with each other through the presentations, discussions, coffee breaks, shared meals and an evening by the lakeshore. GRASAC extends its gratitude to the OCF; Gathering organizers Carlie Manners, Chandra Murdoch and Laura Peers; Gathering support personnel Bradley Clements and Alexander Morin; and funders, University of Toronto’s Connaught Community Partnership Research Program. |