Recently a few of us Sisters were blessed to get together over dinner. In conversation we spoke of ways we could be more involved with Indigenous people. Sister Jude & Sister Susan recalled when they were first at our mission in Pic Mobert First Nation (Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg) just north of Lake Superior. We went to Thunder Bay & looked for Wolf Tracks Gallery, a store recommended by a band-member for its creative & colourful jackets with native designs, wall hanging murals, & original art prints.
We easily became engaged in conversation with owner Maxine Wesley whose band was in the Longlac area. She had been a Chief for one term & spoke of that experience, both positive & negative. We learned a lot of the life of Anishinaabe on a reserve.
We asked how her business in Thunder Bay was going. We learned of her struggles as a small business owner. We stepped aside & the two of us discussed how we might help. Putting together our personal budgets, gas & grocery money we were each able to walk out with one of her fleece jackets as pictured. She was touched that we would support her in this way, and commented that we should be prepared to be stopped on the street by people admiring the jackets and asking where we got them. We asked for some of her business cards so we could hand them out on such occasions. We have worn them regularly since 2003 & still receive comments! Sister Susan's, pictured below, displays the 4 colours (red, yellow, black, white) of the world's people, as well as the turtle which symbolizes Turtle Island. Sister Jude's displays a female dancer at a sundance. What beauty each jacket displays! (Visit the online store here)
Beautiful things happen when we take an opportunity to step outside our own culture and spontaneously dialogue with an Indigenous person. Respect & sharing help us tangibly in our desire for Truth & Reconciliation.
Sister Jude Stradiotto & Sister Susan Kerrigan, csj