First Nations Gallery: Welcome
Welcome!
Tansi kwak keeyo!
Oh neen seequa keenawak!
Umbah washtay!
Chan ta wash taya nepay che useah pay ye ya dough!
Celebrate, Affirm, Anticipate
First Nations history in Saskatchewan spans at least 10,000 years. In spite of the effects of disease, residential schools, and cultural oppression during the last 300 years, First Nations cultures remain alive and vital today. Developments in education, business, and cultural activities mean the future is brighter than ever. In keeping with that spirit, the First Nations Gallery celebrates the past, affirms the present, and anticipates the future.
Re-creating Turtle Island
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The Gallery opens with a life-size alabaster and bronze sculpture by Cree artist, Lloyd Pinay. The sculpture incorporates characters and elements from the many different versions of the Wi sa ke cahk and the Creation of Turtle Island story.
The Trickster is a principal character in many First Nations' stories. He is known as Wi sa ke cahk to the Cree, Nanabush to the Saulteaux, Inktome to the Dakota and Nakota, and Sagija'k to the Dene. After causing a great flood, Wi sa ke cahk was left alone with three animals a beaver, an otter, and a muskrat. He sent the first two beneath the waters to retrieve a piece of earth, but they failed. The muskrat succeeded, but died in the attempt. Wi sa ke cahk used the bit of earth to restore the land and its inhabitants. Grandmother Turtle plays an important role, for she forms the basis for the new earth. |
For further information contact the Curator of Aboriginal History.
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