Women of the Big Lake
STORY AND PHOTOS BY AIYANNA MITCHELL, BAND MEMBER DESCENDANT
A new exhibit at the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post opened in June. “The “Women of Big Lake” exhibit portrays the significance of our women and what they did and achieved. The women who made such a huge impact in their artwork and teaching are Mille Lacs Band members Maude Kegg, Batiste Sam, Margaret Hill, and Cheryl Minnema. They have showcased their talents through many ways, including their arts, writings, and teachings. Some of these women have taught or worked for the Mille Lacs historical museum and trading post.
There are many pieces of artwork showcased throughout the museum from these women, with the materials and a description of the work by it. Cheryl Minnema, Waabaanakwadookwe White Cloud woman was born in Minneapolis in 1973. She was raised on the Mille Lacs Reservation. Cheryl grew up watching the women in her family bead the traditional dance outfits.
Cheryl’s hobbies include photography, making moccasins, and braiding. Cheryl also stated in the showcase, “Now I’m in the position where I can state how to make things, helping pass on what I have learned. It means a lot to me, because it’s such a big part of our culture.”
Batiste Sam,- Naawigiizisookweban, (Noon Lady), was born October 3, 1914, and passed on January 25, 1998. She lived on the Mille Lacs Reservation her whole life and she was raised by her parents, who taught her many things throughout her life. Batiste was also a guide at the Mille Lacs history museum. Her mother taught her how to make birch bark baskets and she gave workshops and taught it at the museum.
Maude Kegg, Naawikamigookweban, (Middle of the Earth Woman) was born August 26, 1904, and passed on January 6, 1996. Maude was a woman of many talents, and she showcased them through the museum. She was a storyteller, activist, artist, and she helped develop the four seasons room.
In 1990 ,Maude was awarded a national fellowship award, and Rudy Perch declared August 26, 1986, “Maude Kegg Day.” Maude was a guide for the museum and passed on the many traditions about her life and childhood around Mille Lacs.
Margaret Hill, Wabooziban, (Late Rabbit) was born July 28,1928, and passed on May 27, 2009. She worked at the museum and Nay Ah Shing schools. Margaret was very dedicated to passing her knowledge and teaching along to the community.
Margaret received the Community Spirit award from the First People Fund in 2008 for sharing her cultural values to many people. She states, “Creating quality art reflects directly back onto my people and community as well as myself. I am happy that my work helps to represent my people in a quality way.
In the showcase at the museum, there is artwork from these women. Gijipizonan belts are made for many decorative reasons and they sometimes showcase intricate beadwork. They are made by two different techniques: loom weaving and bead embroidery.
Batiste submitted two belt designs to Percent for Art in Public Places when she heard the museum was being built. Her artwork was not chosen but her oak leaf designs adorn the museum's walls.
