Reconnecting to Culture through Hide
City of Edmonton・9 minutes read
Jessica Sanderson Berry, a Cree artist, incorporates elements from the land in her work and was inspired by her grandmother's experiences at residential school to reclaim her Cree identity by learning the language and traditional practices, deepening her connection to her heritage and ancestors.
Insights
- Jessica Sanderson Berry's art incorporates materials like moose hides and caribou hair, showcasing a deep connection to her Cree heritage and the land.
- Understanding her grandmother's experiences at residential school prompted Jessica to reclaim her Cree identity by learning the Cree language and traditional practices, illustrating the profound impact of intergenerational trauma and the power of cultural revitalization.
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Recent questions
How does Jessica Sanderson Berry incorporate elements from the land into her work?
Jessica Sanderson Berry incorporates elements from the land like moose hides and caribou hair in her work for J-Shine Designs. She uses these materials to create pieces that reflect her Cree heritage and connection to the natural world around her. By incorporating these elements, Jessica infuses her artwork with cultural significance and a deep respect for the land.
What inspired Jessica Sanderson Berry to learn about her Cree identity?
Jessica Sanderson Berry was inspired to learn about her Cree identity after discovering her late grandmother, Clara Sanderson, attended Gordon's Indian Residential School and faced traumas there. This revelation led Jessica to explore her family history and understand the impact of residential schools on her family and herself. Her journey to reclaim her Cree identity was motivated by a desire to reconnect with her heritage and honor her ancestors.
How did Jessica Sanderson Berry reconnect with her Cree heritage?
Jessica Sanderson Berry reconnected with her Cree heritage by attending the University of Alberta's Faculty of Native Studies to learn the Cree language. She also received her grandmother's residential school survivor credit as a gift, which allowed her to go back to school and further explore her cultural roots. Through tanning hides and learning traditional Cree practices, Jessica deepened her connection to her ancestors and the land, revitalizing her cultural traditions for future generations.
What role did Jessica Sanderson Berry's grandmother play in her journey to reclaim her Cree identity?
Jessica Sanderson Berry's grandmother, Clara Sanderson, played a significant role in her journey to reclaim her Cree identity. Clara's experiences at residential school, which she initially kept hidden, inspired Jessica to learn about her family history and the impact of intergenerational trauma. By receiving her grandmother's survivor credit and using it to learn Cree, Jessica honored Clara's legacy and strengthened her connection to her Cree heritage.
How has Jessica Sanderson Berry's work impacted her cultural traditions for future generations?
Jessica Sanderson Berry's work in tanning hides and learning traditional Cree practices has deepened her connection to her ancestors and the land, revitalizing her cultural traditions for future generations. By incorporating elements from the land into her artwork and embracing her Cree identity, Jessica is preserving and sharing her cultural heritage with others. Through her creative endeavors, Jessica is ensuring that her cultural traditions continue to thrive and inspire future generations to connect with their roots.
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Summary
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Reclaiming Cree Identity Through Art and Heritage
- Jessica Sanderson Berry, a Cree artist from Edmonton, incorporates elements from the land like moose hides and caribou hair in her work for J-Shine Designs.
- Her late grandmother, Clara Sanderson, attended Gordon's Indian Residential School and never spoke about the traumas she faced there until later in life.
- Learning about her grandmother's experiences at residential school led Jessica to understand the impact it had on her family and herself.
- Jessica's journey to reclaim her Cree identity included attending the University of Alberta's Faculty of Native Studies to learn the Cree language.
- Her grandmother's gift of her residential school survivor credit allowed Jessica to go back to school and learn Cree, reconnecting with her heritage.
- Jessica's work in tanning hides and learning traditional Cree practices has deepened her connection to her ancestors and the land, revitalizing her cultural traditions for future generations.
