Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights
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Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights
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Beausoleil First Nation Ojibwe Artist
August 1956 - October 2019
"Stronger, Together" in Ojibwe is "Mashkawizii, Maamawi".
For the Ojibwe, spiritual beliefs and rituals are very important. The traditional ways, ideas, and teachings are preserved and still being practiced today. Participating in the Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights in collaboration with 2022 LunarFest, Monague’s works remind us about unity, and courage in a world facing difficult times.
Much of Monague's artwork created a sense of peace, solitude and drew attention to the beauty of life around us. With a humble nature we can find peace in the colours, seasons and the world around us and learn to enjoy the simple things in life that nature has to teach us.
"Blue Moon" and "Tranquility" remind us of the bond we have with Mother Earth. Ojibwe life began with a deep respect for the land and the Ojibwe people, also known as Anishinaabe, believe that every animal and plant is a being that should be treated with respect. These works offer a feeling of peace and inspiration to help dispel the dark days while we move forward in the new year.
“I feel my art speaks to my culture. I have made a name for myself with my work and reputation but it has taken a long time.”
The self-taught Beausoleil First Nation artist William Anthony Monague grew up on an isolated island with no access to formal education or training in the arts. Monague - “Abwaudung” (The
Visionary or Dreamer) discovered inspiration in the traditional teachings of Mother Earth, Spirit World and in the beauty of nature and in the Georgian Bay shores that surrounded him. During the 1970’s and 80’s, Monague followed the Pow Wow circuit in a van down to Mexico to sell his artwork, jewelry, quillwork and bone carvings. His work ended up in various museums and galleries along the way. Initially, he used the woodland style but soon developed his own contemporary style of art.
Beausoleil First Nation Ojibwe Artist
August 1956 - October 2019
"Stronger, Together" in Ojibwe is "Mashkawizii, Maamawi".
For the Ojibwe, spiritual beliefs and rituals are very important. The traditional ways, ideas, and teachings are preserved and still being practiced today. Participating in the Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights in collaboration with 2022 LunarFest, Monague’s works remind us about unity, and courage in a world facing difficult times.
"Blue Moon" and "Tranquility" remind us of the bond we have with Mother Earth. Ojibwe life began with a deep respect for the land and the Ojibwe people, also known as Anishinaabe, believe that every animal and plant is a being that should be treated with respect. These works offer a feeling of peace and inspiration to help dispel the dark days while we move forward in the new year.
For over 45 years, William humbly donated his time and artwork to many worthwhile causes helping others, such as Violence Against Women and Children, Wildlife Safety & Animal Sanctuaries, Human Rights Offices, Residential School Survivors and more. He passed on to the Spirit World at the Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland, Ontario with his family by his side in 2019. Shortly after his death in 2019, he gave his final gift of Sight/Vision with a Trillium Gift of Life Network Organ & Tissue Donation.
In October of 2021 William Monague posthumously received the Inspirational People Project Cultural Award from his Beausoleil First Nation community. His art is loved by many throughout the world and his family continues to support the many causes he believed in. Ojibwe Artist William Monague’s gift and love for nature continue to live on in the vibrant paintings, carvings, quillwork and jewelry he created and shared with us.
Ojibwe woodland artist, Wasauksing First Nation
Gathering around a fire with family. Enjoying the company. Exchanging stories and memories. Eating food. Together. From the Endaayaan [home in Anishinaabemowin] collection, Ishkode (Fire) is a reflection of serene, warmhearted and sentimental memories, referencing the artist’s life from when he was living back home on Wasauksing First Nation.
“For many generations, we have endured and survived on this land, as a family.” Using the woodland art style of the Anishinaabe people, the artist deepens that connection through culture and time. It is these experiences and memories with family that gave him a sense of what home is: a good family and a strong support system to develop good character and live a good life. Pawis-Steckley believes he was fortunate to have that in childhood and attributes that to a lot of the success and happiness he has had in adult life.
“‘Together, Stronger’ is a testament to the relationships we keep. In the Ojibwe culture, relationships are an extension of ourselves. A person's integrity is judged by how they treat others and respect them. We are stronger when we work together, build community, and live for each other.”
Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
The work represents families and communities coming together to support each other through adversity. In the case of Indigenous people, there is the overcoming of intergenerational trauma. Bewayzhimaak means Family in Eastern Oji-Cree. We also say Ezhibezhigowong in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway). The imagery is a family formatted into a circular design in the centre of the canvas. In the Indigenous culture, the circle is considered an important symbol of unity. The six individuals represent 6 generations, encompassing the missing generation of families lost to the system. The viewer looking at this work is the 7th generation. The 7th generation represents a transitional period for Indigenous people to regain their identity. The figures are framed in white to signify illumination and light. Take a closer look at the detailing around the figures—you will note that they are orange or analogous-coloured shirts to mirror the colours of Fall leaves. In Indigenous culture, Fall is seen as a time of change.
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn is a son, a cousin, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a friend, an artist, Indigenous, an educator, a writer, a digital platform developer, a comedian, First Nation, a teacher, a coward, a musician, a poet, a warrior, a know-it-all, a radio broadcaster, an Indian, a know-nothing, an olympic artist, a traditional knowledge educator, Anishnaabehnini. All of this has led him to becoming a husband, father, and grandfather.
“I have tried to experience life. I have taken opportunity as a gift.
Realizing we only have this one life, this one chance. It has lead me to one deciding factor when I follow my heart,
Today only happens today.”
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn
“When a drop falls into a body of water, ripples emanate from that central point. Other drops make other ripples that intersect with each other. Those intersections create points. The more drops that fall, the more ripples collide and connect. Water rises. Water connects us to the Earth.
In this story we are drops of water. The points, our interactions. Together we are the ocean,
sharing our environment, learning, and supporting each other we grow and become stronger, together.”
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn is a son, a cousin, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a friend, an artist, Indigenous, an educator, a writer, a digital platform developer, a comedian, First Nation, a teacher, a coward, a musician, a poet, a warrior, a know-it-all, a radio broadcaster, an Indian, a know-nothing, an olympic artist, a traditional knowledge educator, Anishnaabehnini. All of this has led him to becoming a husband, father, and grandfather.
“I have tried to experience life. I have taken opportunity as a gift.
Realizing we only have this one life, this one chance. It has lead me to one deciding factor when I follow my heart,
Today only happens today.”
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn
Beausoleil First Nation
Deeply rooted and influenced by Anishinaabek culture, Barrie Ontario based multi-media artist Clayton Samuel King has been sharpening his skills in the creative arts for 15 years. The common themes in his work relate to his Indigenous cultural background that is highly influenced by spiritual beliefs and the sublime of nature. During his professional art career Clayton has also served his community of Beausoleil First Nation as their Treaty and Historical Researcher, Elected Band Councillor and most recently as their Heritage and Cultural Coordinator. Clayton was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario and graduated with a Fine Art Advanced Diploma from Fanshawe College in 2010. Mr. King is of Bodewadmi (Potawatomi) Anishinabek and Chi Mookmaan decent and is a member of Beausoleil First Nation, otherwise known as Chimnissing.
“‘Together, Stronger’ means to me that in an age of definite uncertainty, the many diverse peoples of this earth must come together to help one another move forward in a way that accepts one another. To do this, we must learn to understand each other’s culture, history and identity more, and to learn about the history of the wrong doings that have happened throughout millennia. Once this acceptance can be made then we all will be able to move forward even more ‘together’, and be ‘stronger’ for the future generations to come.”
Waab-Shki-Makoons
(Clayton Samuel King)
(Visionary/Dreamer)
Beausoleil First Nation Ojibwe Artist
August 1956 - October 2019
"Blue Moon" and "Tranquility" remind us of the bond we have with Mother Earth. Ojibwe life began with a deep respect for the land and the Ojibwe people, also known as Anishinaabe, believe that every animal and plant is a being that should be treated with respect. These works offer a feeling of peace and inspiration to help dispel the dark days while we move forward in the new year.
“I feel my art speaks to my culture. I have made a name for myself with my work and reputation but it has taken a long time.”
The self-taught Beausoleil First Nation artist William Anthony Monague grew up on an isolated island with no access to formal education or training in the arts. Monague - “Abwaudung” (The Visionary or Dreamer) discovered inspiration in the traditional teachings of Mother Earth, Spirit World and in the beauty of nature and in the Georgian Bay shores that surrounded him. Initially, he used the woodland style but soon developed his own contemporary style of art.
For over 45 years, William humbly donated his time and artwork to many worthwhile causes helping others. He passed on to the Spirit World with his family by his side in 2019. In October of 2021 William Monague posthumously received the Inspirational People Project Cultural Award from his Beausoleil First Nation community. His art is loved by many throughout the world and his family continues to support the many causes he believed in. Ojibwe Artist William Monague’s gift and love for nature continue to live on in the vibrant paintings, carvings, quillwork and jewelry he created and shared with us.
(Visionary/Dreamer)
Beausoleil First Nation Ojibwe Artist
August 1956 - October 2019
"Stronger, Together" in Ojibwe is "Mashkawizii, Maamawi".
For the Ojibwe, spiritual beliefs and rituals are very important. The traditional ways, ideas, and teachings are preserved and still being practiced today. Participating in the Lunar Lanterns of Indigenous Lights in collaboration with 2022 LunarFest, Monague’s works remind us about unity, and courage in a world facing difficult times.
Much of Monague's artwork created a sense of peace, solitude and drew attention to the beauty of life around us. With a humble nature we can find peace in the colours, seasons and the world around us and learn to enjoy the simple things in life that nature has to teach us.
"Blue Moon" and "Tranquility" remind us of the bond we have with Mother Earth. Ojibwe life began with a deep respect for the land and the Ojibwe people, also known as Anishinaabe, believe that every animal and plant is a being that should be treated with respect. These works offer a feeling of peace and inspiration to help dispel the dark days while we move forward in the new year.
Ojibwe woodland artist
Wasauksing First Nation
Gathering around a fire with family. Enjoying the company. Exchanging stories and memories. Eating food. Together. From the Endaayaan [home in Anishinaabemowin] collection, Ishkode (Fire) is a reflection of serene, warmhearted and sentimental memories, referencing the artist’s life from when he was living back home on Wasauksing First Nation.
“For many generations, we have endured and survived on this land, as a family.” Using the woodland art style of the Anishinaabe people, the artist deepens that connection through culture and time. It is these experiences and memories with family that gave him a sense of what home is: a good family and a strong support system to develop good character and live a good life. Pawis-Steckley believes he was fortunate to have that in childhood and attributes that to a lot of the success and happiness he has had in adult life.
“‘Together, Stronger’ is a testament to the relationships we keep. In the Ojibwe culture, relationships are an extension of ourselves. A person's integrity is judged by how they treat others and respect them. We are stronger when we work together, build community, and live for each other.”
Anishnaabek/Kanien'keha':ka
The work represents families and communities coming together to support each other through adversity. In the case of Indigenous people, there is the overcoming of intergenerational trauma. Bewayzhimaak means Family in Eastern Oji-Cree. We also say Ezhibezhigowong in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway). The imagery is a family formatted into a circular design in the centre of the canvas. In the Indigenous culture, the circle is considered an important symbol of unity. The six individuals represent 6 generations, encompassing the missing generation of families lost to the system. The viewer looking at this work is the 7th generation. The 7th generation represents a transitional period for Indigenous people to regain their identity. The figures are framed in white to signify illumination and light. Take a closer look at the detailing around the figures—you will note that they are orange or analogous-coloured shirts to mirror the colours of Fall leaves. In Indigenous culture, Fall is seen as a time of change.
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn is a son, a cousin, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a friend, an artist, Indigenous, an educator, a writer, a digital platform developer, a comedian, First Nation, a teacher, a coward, a musician, a poet, a warrior, a know-it-all, a radio broadcaster, an Indian, a know-nothing, an olympic artist, a traditional knowledge educator, Anishnaabehnini. All of this has led him to becoming a husband, father, and grandfather.
“I have tried to experience life. I have taken opportunity as a gift.
Realizing we only have this one life, this one chance. It has lead me to one deciding factor when I follow my heart,
Today only happens today.”
Anishnaabek/Kanien'keha':ka
“When a drop falls into a body of water, ripples emanate from that central point. Other drops make other ripples that intersect with each other. Those intersections create points. The more drops that fall, the more ripples collide and connect. Water rises. Water connects us to the Earth.
In this story we are drops of water. The points, our interactions. Together we are the ocean,
sharing our environment, learning, and supporting each other we grow and become stronger, together.”
Elliott Doxtater-Wynn is a son, a cousin, a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a friend, an artist, Indigenous, an educator, a writer, a digital platform developer, a comedian, First Nation, a teacher, a coward, a musician, a poet, a warrior, a know-it-all, a radio broadcaster, an Indian, a know-nothing, an olympic artist, a traditional knowledge educator, Anishnaabehnini. All of this has led him to becoming a husband, father, and grandfather.
“I have tried to experience life. I have taken opportunity as a gift.
Realizing we only have this one life, this one chance. It has lead me to one deciding factor when I follow my heart,
Today only happens today.”
Walks Far Woman represents the courage of the Anishinaabek women. In years of late, Anishinaabe Kweag and other Indigenous women have done their share of advocating for the protection of their water by holding rallies, protests and water walks all over the Great Lakes basin and beyond. It is through the strength of these women that help in the protection of the water we need to survive as human beings. The image in this painting represents this strength. Like the migrations of old, the woman in this painting is being guided by the sacred megis shell that led the Anishinaabek from the east to their present destinations prior to contact with non-Indigenous people. It is through the wisdom and protection of those Ogitchidaa Kweag (warrior women) that help in leading the way against industry from the pollution of our waters.
Deeply rooted and influenced by Anishinaabek culture, Ontario-based multimedia artist Clayton Samuel King has been sharpening his skills in the creative arts for 15 years. The common themes in his work relate to his Indigenous background that is highly influenced by spiritual beliefs and the sublime of nature. Clayton has also served his community as their Treaty and Historical Researcher, Elected Band Councillor, and most recently as their Heritage and Cultural Coordinator. Mr. King is of Bodewadmi (Potawatomi) Anishinabek and Chi Mookmaan descent and is a member of Beausoleil First Nation, otherwise known as Chimnissing.
“‘Together, Stronger’ means to me that in an age of definite uncertainty, the many diverse peoples of this earth must come together to help one another move forward in a way that accepts one another. To do this, we must learn to understand each other’s culture, history and identity more, and to learn about the history of the wrong doings that have happened throughout millennia. Once this acceptance can be made then we all will be able to move forward even more ‘together’, and be ‘stronger’ for the future generations to come.”
Beausoleil First Nation
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