Community-Led Research
The foundation of every sub-project within the Great Lakes and Eastern Woodlands research cluster is based on community relationships. As a result, community priorities — beginning with land-based work on Indigenous language reclamation and revitalization — determine the directions of all research activities. These activities centre on the study of books that emerge from or were used by Lunaapeewak or Anishinabek, as well as on wampum items that are currently held in museums in North America and Europe. In each case, the focus is on community access to their belongings, both digital and in person, and on the sharing of research results in a way that respects Indigenous sovereignty, with decisions regarding what information is to be shared being made by the community of origin. By making sure that every sub-project in this area is carried out by a research group that includes members of the Nation, we aim to proceed in a way that is both intentional and respectful. We believe that this approach centres the community of origin in a good way while also offering cultural heritage institutions — museums, libraries, and archives — the opportunity to improve their own care practices and level of community engagement.
Linking Past and Future through Wampum Knowledge
by Kristin Jacobs, Munsee-Delaware language keeper (Eelunaapeewi Lahkeewiit / Delaware Nation at Moraviantown)
I had an incredible experience being able to visit the Beads of Diplomacy exhibit and wampum symposium at the McCord Stewart Museum in Montréal in February (2024). The exhibit brought together over 40 wampum belts and other related objects. Listening to all of the speakers and presenters, I really felt a sense of pride for our peoples living during such a hostile period, but still trying to find peace and understanding for the better good of all nations involved. Their intelligence speaks to these beautiful works of art in these wampum belts and pipes, using all natural materials around them. They were constructed with gifts from Kukuna Ahkuy (mother earth) to make these important discussions about her, and giving the belts themselves their own spirits, hence being living objects.
I’ve just started making wampum belts and know the struggles of broken needles and using the new-age loom method to construct them. It had always baffled me on what was used for the string and needle back way back then and knew there had to be another way. During the presentations, I was happy to learn there wasn’t a needle at all, but that a twist tie method was used, like in the photo taken. This really brought my understanding to another level, realising the long, tedious process to construct one.
