The intricately woven Nozhem quilt was constructed as a site specific piece for Nozhem theatre. The work is a symbolic of the theatre which operates as a bridge between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples, Two Spirited and all others, faculty and students, men and women, and the public and university populations. In the words of elder Edna Manitowabi, the "transformation" and "healing" effect of personal creative expression is of major concern, for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous student performers. The quilt honours that function of the theatre and all of the different Nations and People that work and learn within it at Trent University.
Attempts were made to visually incorporate the four people of the world and all the different Clans of the Anishinaabe People of the area. Each of the animals on the quilt honour and carry with them specific teachings that continue to instruct people who interact with the quilt.
The quilt’s process of creation was described as a metaphor for what life should be – creative, enjoyable, learning, making friendships, and engaging with one another in a good way. Under the direction of an Elder and an experienced quilter Alice Williams, a group of individuals from Indigenous Studies department, the surrounding area, and various academic disciplines through the university came together to construct the quilt over the course of a single school year. These individuals included: Joeann Argue, Chris Welter, Alice Williams, Sherri Smith, Kelly Miller, Liz Osawamick, Michele Gervais, Amanda Mishibinijma, Skye Vasey, Jeannine Crowe, Giles Benaway, and Shirley Williams.
The quilt was presented with the numbered production of Anishinaabe Maajiidwin that was presented during the year of its completion.
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| Nozhem Theatre Quilt |
Work Cited
Indigenous Studies, comp. Nozhem Theatre Quilt. Peterborough: Naadimaagewin Program. Print.
