Jennifer Leason

Art

“Nóngom kici-kakinahomaté wigamigong izáhin pigo-imá kitá-anokísanágan ci anokíhin kíspin izásiwan kakinahomatéwigamigong.”
“Post Secondary Education is important today, because you can’t get a job without education.”
MARY STRONGQUILL – KEESEEKOOSE FIRST NATION

Meenunyaaka

In 2012, I embarked on a journey to learn Saulteaux- Anishinaabemowen and to revitalize the language for myself, our generation, our children and for genrations to come. The artwork are the illustrations for our book titled “Meenunyaaka” which translates to “Blueberry Patch”.

It was first told in Anishinabemowen and was later transcribed and translated into English. It is my Uncle Norman Chartrand’s childhood memory of the community packing up their horses and heading East of Duck Bay to pick blueberries for the month of July.

It was through Uncle Norman’s story that I was able to reconnected with my mother, my grandmother, my granparents, great grandparents and the ancestors who continue to guide me on my journey. I truly believe they spoke to me through “spirit paint” (Norval Moriseau) and at times I felt their presence as they peered over my shoulder to tell which coloured they loved the most. This project has been about intergenerational healing, transforming my emotions into art, and seeing/feeling the love and beauty of each day. The art is a celebration of the ancestors; identity; belief and belonging; colour and connection; self determination and definition; family and friendship; forgiveness and the future; land and language; persistence and patience; rest and reconciliation; sorrow and surrender; truth and time.

Nenook

Research

INDIGENOUS HEALTH & WELL BEING

WOMEN'S HEALTH

MATERNAL-CHILD & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

INDIGENOUS MATERNITY EXPERIENCES

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

GENDER & HEALTH

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