Biindigen - Welcome
Boozhoo, bonjour, hallo.
My name is Baswewe-mikinaakkwe.
I’m a contemporary, multi-disciplinary Anishinaabe artist, and right now, my path has taken me to live and work in the quiet, forested landscapes of Germany. My creative practice is my way of reclaiming what was meant to be forgotten. My work is guided by the spirit of the Seventh Fire Prophecy—the teaching that told of a generation who would reach back through time to wake up the traditions, language, and lifeways that had been sleeping. Every bead I stitch and every design I dream up is my way of walking that path back home.
Finding My Way Back to the Turtle
My spirit is held fast by the Turtle Clan (Mikinaak). Because of the Sixties Scoop, this connection wasn't something handed down to me in the traditional way; it is a part of my identity I have had to reclaim, piece by piece.
oming to know my place in the Turtle Clan has been a journey of its own—a process of looking back through history, sitting in quiet meditation, and recognizing the traits that have always lived within me: a deep-seated need to carry my home on my back, a patient endurance, and a steady, grounding spirit.
When you see the turtle appearing in my work, please know it isn’t just a design. It is my teacher and my elder. It represents the deliberate, peaceful pace I have chosen to walk in order to stay in balance with the earth. It is my way of honoring the roots I had to reach out and find for myself, and I feel so much gratitude that I can finally walk in that rhythm today.
A New Chapter, A New Bridge
Even though my studio is a long way from the Great Lakes, I’ve found that the land here in Germany has been generous. Moving here started a new, beautiful chapter of reciprocity for me. I spend a lot of time walking in these woods, and I’m so grateful for the gifts they offer—the birch, the moss, and the stones I find along the way.
I weave these pieces of my current home into my work with a lot of love and respect. By holding onto my Anishinaabe philosophy while working with the materials found here, each piece becomes a bridge across the water. Everything I make is crafted in a good way—what we call Mino-chige—so that when it leaves my hands, it carries nothing but good intentions out into the world for you.
Ninbaswewe-mikinaakkwewig.
Mikinaak nindoodem.
Minwendam gawaabamin.
I am of the Echo Maker-Snapping Turtle woman.
The snapping turtle is my clan.
It is nice to meet you.