The 1993 discovery in South Indian Lake of the remains of a 25-year-old Cree woman who lived 350 years ago has already led to the creation of a book and now to a $2.5 million grant for University of Winnipeg researchers.
Their seven-year project, designed to help reclaim Asiniski Ithiiniwak (Rocky Cree) language, history and culture, is being supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) will be directed by Dr. Mavis Reimer, who also played a role in the creation of the picture book Pisim Finds Her Miskanow by Thompson resident William Dumas. The book reimagines one week in the life of the woman whose remains were found when she was aged 12 and Dumas will work with the research teams involved in the project.
“An SSHRC partnership grant represents one of the highest academic awards for research and Dr. Reimer and her team have created a project that will have a lasting impact,” said Dr. Jino Distasio, the University of Winnipeg’s vice-president of research and innovation. “This project embodies the true spirit of partnership and the importance of community remains at the heart of what will certainly be inspiring.”
In addition to Reimer and Dumas, others involved include Kevin Brownlee of the Manitoba Museum, Dr. Scott Hamilton of Lakehead University, Dr. Warren Cariou of the University of Manitoba, Dr. Myra Sitchon of Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations, and Dr. Doris Wolf, Dr. Roland Bohr and Dr. Linda DeRiviere, all from the University of Winnipeg.
“The project is founded on the revelation of an ancestor, but it is oriented to the future and the ongoing work of reclaiming Rocky Cree languages, histories, and knowledge,” says Reimer. “We plan to share our work on multiple platforms and at multiple sites with multiple audiences. Our first audience is young people, particularly First Nations young people, but we also want to reach teachers, scholars, policymakers, and the general public. We see our project as research for reconciliation.”
The project is also supported by O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre, the Asiniskow Ithiniwak Mamawiwin, the Historic Resources Branch of Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat of the Manitoba Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations, the Indigenous Inclusion Directorate of the Manitoba Department of Education and Training, Lakehead University, Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre, the Manitoba Museum and Portage & Main Press.
“Indigenous peoples and Canadians are becoming unified by heading towards reconciliation,” said Dumas. “But before this beautiful dream can happen, we have to explore our past, not through a lens filled with anger and blame, but in a good way.”
