Polishing the Chain - Indigenous Artist, Brenda Lee
6:45 am: Sunrise Ceremony with Elder Mike Couchie, Main Tipi
9:00 am - 10:00 am: Light breakfast, Treaty Learning Centre in the library
10:00 am - 3:00 pm: Wampum and Tea with Brenda Lee, Treaty Learning Centre
Join Indigenous Artist, Brenda Lee as she shares her knowledge of Wampum Belts and beading. As our campus continues to learn about the significance of wampum and treaty in relation to our Strategic Plan — Pathways: Our Commitments to Water, Land, and People for the Next Seven Generations at Nipissing University — we invite you all to join Brenda in the Treaty Learning Centre as she works on a replica Treaty of Niagara (1764) wampum belt. Learn at your own pace by reviewing our library’s available collection of treaty learning resources, curated by our library staff, or engage in discussions with Brenda as she shares firsthand how a wampum belt is created and the significant impact it can have in our collective commitment to student success and fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus community for all.
Brenda Lee
Indigenous Artist and Knowledge Holder
Brenda is a Plains Cree First Nations woman from the Treaty Six Territory, born and raised in Maskwacis Alberta. Brenda was fortunate enough to have spent her formative years with her grandmother: Nancy Oldpan (Roasting), who taught her how to sew, bead, harvest and learn an array of cultural teachings. Brenda developed interest and knowledge in these art forms exploring her culture through art. Brenda has led workshops and provided traditional teachings to Nipissing University students in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives for a number of years.
Brenda has worked in different areas over the years in Cultural Camps, Universities, High Schools, Health and Wellness Organizations, Friendship Centres and Museums, she’s taught beading techniques, hide tanning, tipi making, moccasin making, harvesting porcupine quills, and is exceptionally skilled with making regalia, ceremonial articles and producing items for private collections.
Brenda’s focus is on restoring our cultural heritage through the arts, specializing, and working primarily within the cultural arts programs. She often delivers step-by-step instructional workshops, walking alongside her students as they craft a superior quality product, expanding and enhancing their creativity and reclaiming pride as First Nations peoples. It is important for Brenda to teach individuals who are willing to learn about the creation of the product and what it takes to construct it.
Brenda resides in the beautiful Nipissing First Nation located in Ontario and continues to instruct with natural and contemporary materials and is becoming a sought-after Artisan. You can often find Brenda Lee working with staff and students in the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (F215).