Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

The culmination of six years of work came to fruition on Thursday, April 30, 2015 with the presentation and unveiling of the "Sharing Through the Generations" murals at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. This project is part of the Cultural Development Agreement between Quebec and the Mohawks of Akwesasne, partners of the agreement is the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), the Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC), the Regional Conference of élusVallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent (CRE), and the Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs (SAA). MCA and the Regional Conference of élusVallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent (CRE) conducted a call out for an artist from the each respective community in April of 2014.

The project had clear objectives in mind such as to support artists, artisans and traditional art bearers of Akwesasne and Haut-Saint-Laurent, to support the use and communication of Mohawk, English and French languages, to support the development and the cultural influence of Akwesasne and Haut-Saint-Laurent, to support and apply the rich heritage from both communities, and to support knowledge sharing and development of the historical and cultural heritage. But the main reason was to support a collaboration and exchange between the artist of Akwesasne and Haut-Saint-Laurent. In early September of 2014; Natasha Smoke-Santiago (Akwesasne) and John Paul (Haut-Saint-Laurent) were chosen, they at once began an intense and through whirlwind tour of each other's community. Their goal was to capture the diversity and cultural richness of the community of Akwesasne and the Haut-Saint-Laurent and at the same time document the artistic process and record their experience. This entire project was filmed by videographer, Alain Boisvert.

Each artist was asked to create three large murals of the other's community, so Natasha Smoke-Santiago's goal in her mural was to capture and enhance the distinct cultural features of Haut-Saint-Laurent and John Paul was to do the same with Akwesasne. Given the expression of people viewing the murals for the first time on April 30, 2015 each artist exceeded meeting their goals of truly capturing the richness and complexity of each community. Guests could be seen gasping at the recognition of a local basketmaker or trapper, or local ruins of a church, which was captured for all eternity by the stroke of a paintbrush on canvas.

In what would be considered already a difficult task of capturing the vitality of each community, the two artists were then required to create a mural together. The public unveiling of the murals was a carefully planned evening, which in many ways simply brought the two communities even closer. Doors opened at 4:00pm with the viewing of the three murals painted by Smoke-Santiago and Paul, as dinner was served guest enjoyed music by fiddlers from Quebec and listened to social dance songs sung by Karonies Thompson, Tehanokonrathe Brant. Three large murals sat veiled for the evening, setting the anticipation of invited guests, honored dignitaries and Council members on edge. The evening also included a presentation given by Barbara Thompson on the Akwesasne Cultural Restoration project and the role it played in revealing the character and traits of Akwesasne to the artists. The video presentation by Alain Boisvert added to the dimension and the ambitious task that was set before him to encapsulate this entire project.

Finally, after dinner was served and the artist received their gifts of appreciation, the two artists; Smoke-Santiago and Paul unveiled the three covered murals they worked on together. For each artist, it became a challenge both artistically, personally, and within the limits of each family involved due to amount of time and commitment it took to complete this project. It was intense and all encompassing while it took place. They visited many places in Akwesasne and spoke to many people. To see the murals from both artists completes this process.

John Ryan spoke of his experience stating, "Its been amazing; life changing, flooring and just amazing. I heard about it applied I was thrilled I didn't know much about the community coming in, I had to learn and then turn around and capture it on canvas. We went on a tour, it was a huge task and Natasha had to do the same: what do I learn, what do I pick up? I listened a lot. I asked questions. When we went on a medicine walk, I was told you have to be open and sometimes you need the medicine guide you to what you need, that sort of summarizes what happened in the whole process. I had to be open and follow intuition. I had a sense of what I want to paint. Things that struck me I verified them with the people who were guiding me. It was extremely important for me to capture what is important to the community. For the project, for myself and as an artist. The effect the community has had on me, I am so impressed with the warmth of the community sense here. I have to even more; do something that is going to be community appreciated. I owe it for the gift I have received for being here."

John Ryan, (pictured here) along with Natasha Smoke-Santiago were given the daunting task of learning about, understanding and capturing another community and then translating it onto a blank canvas. Photo by Kaniehtonkie.

Natasha Smoke-Santiago, "It seemed only a short while ago we began this journey. This entire experience has been fantastic. I've learned a great many things and built new friendships and together have brought beauty into the world. I would like to thank MCA for the honor of representing Akwesasne and our Quebec partners. And I would like to thank this experience and my fellow artist John Ryan and Alain Boisvert. I would to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout this project, who have helped me and showed understanding for my lack of availability. I am honored and humbled to be selected for this opportunity to represent Akwesasne and our Quebec neighbors in this endeavor. The task set before John, Alain and I is not a small one. Bridging the cultural divide between our communities fosters great understanding. This experience was filled with challenges and rewards. This project took me from my comfort zone for which I am thankful; our artistic muscles must be stretched in order to grow. Featuring the culture of another, capturing their way of life is a daunting task. I hope my reflection of our neighbors is well received."

The murals will be hung in Akwesasne in the near future, along with the opportunity to view the video, which captures this entire project. For more information, please check the MCA website and MCA Facebook page for postings.