ᐊᒋᒧᐢᑕᐃᐧᐣ
Acimostawin
~tell me a story~
The birch tree has many uses in First Nations culture. From canoes to baskets to tea, the tree is one of life’s forgotten treasures. Historically, writings and drawings were carved into thin layers much like you would draw in a book. However, the pen of choice was one's teeth. The intricate designs were used as adornment for baskets as well as templates for
painted designs, quill art and beadwork. It later became more popular as an art piece. The birchbark bitings are created by Kari Lentowicz, a Cree First Nations woman from Treaty Territory 6 where this tree of life flourishes. Many of her pieces use naturally shedding birchbark. Harvesting fresh birchbark should only be done vertically from the tree trunk and in the spring when the tree has a chance to heal itself. Harvesting birchbark too deeply into the tree, in a full circle around the trunk, or in the winter can starve the tree of valuable nutrients and cause the tree to die. The pendant encased birchbark bitings were created by Kari and were incorporated into jewelry by Holly Mansell of Clover Laine Designs.
