WINNIPEG — Dolorès Contré-Migwans is hoping to bring a disappearing Indigenous form of art back to life. The artist from Quebec is currently has an exhibit on display at the St. Boniface Museum, and was offering workshops throughout the month.
The process of using porcupine quills weaved through birch paper can be tedious and continues to become more challenging as the health of birch trees across the country decline.
“The natural resources that we want to get in order to pass on these traditional techniques to the next generation are becoming more and more rare,” Migwans said.
The artist feels that by creating art with nature, she is giving it a second life and hopes to keep the tradition alive by teaching it to young artists.
“I do a lot of training workshops,” Migwans said. “I think it’s very important to pass this on.”
Her work will be on display at St. Boniface Museum until March 23.