Celebrating T’Asia’s Remarkable Passion Project

Celebrating T’Asia’s Remarkable Passion Project: A Journey into Indigenous Art and Storytelling

Before the last school year ended, I had the opportunity to sit down with T’Asia, one of our incredibly talented grade 12 Bert Fox Community High School students, for lunch at the Valley Bake and Coffee Shop. Alongside a few colleagues, meeting for our book club over lunch, we listened as T’Asia shared her reflections on a passion project she undertook as part of her Native Studies 30 and Art 30 courses last semester. It was a moment of pride for me as an educator to witness T’Asia’s decision and dedication to channel her creativity into an exceptional art piece she painted.

Finding Inspiration in the Anishinaabe Creation Story:

T’Asia’s passion project was sparked by the profound and enchanting Anishinaabe Creation Story of Turtle Island:

From her initial sketch of a mom and dad holding up a baby in front of a tipi on the back of a giant turtle swimming in the ocean, her vision evolved into a breathtaking painting, encompassing various aspects of the Anishinaabe worldview.

The Artwork Unveiled:

The final artwork, skillfully crafted by T’Asia, beautifully conveyed the essence of the Anishinaabe Creation Story. The giant green squares at the bottom of the painting artfully represent the back of the turtle, symbolically connecting us to the very foundation of Turtle Island. Above this foundation, the circle of life unfolded as a storyteller captivated three attentive listeners around a home fire, highlighting the profound significance of oral traditions in passing down wisdom and knowledge through generations.

With finesse and thoughtfulness, T’Asia incorporated the majestic eagle and the bear into her painting, symbolizing the deep relationships between people and the spirits and animals of the land. She expressed during our interview, “We believe that everything and anything has a soul, and it can be brought to life.”

On the left side of the artwork stood a vibrant tree, its branches adorned with a mesmerizing display of colours, representing the diverse hues that grace our world. With passion in her voice, T’Asia explained, “A lot of people like to say that as you get older, you don’t see things as vibrant or colourful as you do as a kid, but there’s a lot of colours and different life out there, and you’ve just got to watch out for that. The tree represents all of these colours.”

A Heartfelt Connection: Creative Classroom Connections

As T’Asia’s passion project unfolded, it reminded me of why I initiated Creative Classroom Connections— a growing and evolving passion project of my own. Witnessing students like T’Asia connecting their coursework with their true passions is an incredibly gratifying experience. By merging Native Studies and Art courses, T’Asia had the opportunity to delve deep into her cultural and family lineage through her artistic expression, resulting in a profoundly meaningful creation.

When asked about her motivation for choosing this specific passion project, T’Asia shared, “It inspired me to paint this because I come from a family of really good artists, and a lot of Indigenous art is meant to be gifted and from the heart. I’m giving this painting to my dad so that he’ll always remember it. And also giving a first piece of something you made, like beaded earrings, a ribbon skirt, or a painting, means good luck because it comes from your heart and is genuine.”

A Closing Note:

As I bid farewell to my teaching role at the school, I’m grateful to have witnessed students like T’Asia showcase their creativity and passion through meaningful projects. T’Asia’s artwork will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, and her dedication to creating art from the heart will undoubtedly inspire others who see it.

Congratulations, T’Asia, on this beautiful achievement. Your project will undoubtedly continue to touch hearts and make a positive impact. As you progress on your life journey beyond high school, allow yourself any opportunities to follow your passions and let your creativity shine brightly. The world awaits your extraordinary talents, and I have no doubt that you’ll leave a trail of beauty and inspiration wherever you go.