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Testimony by Diane Blacksmith
Testimony by Maude Connolly
Testimony by Johanne Lachapelle
Testimony by Wanda Julian
Testimony by Annette Nolett
Testimony by Kim Gabriel
Testimony by Lise Bibeau
Testimony by Élisabeth KaineThe Design and material culture workshops
DESIGN AND MATERIAL CULTURE WORKSHOPS: AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONVERT TRADITIONAL KNOW-HOW INTO NEW PRODUCTS
The Design and material culture workshops are intended for craftspeople from First Nations communities involved in the Design and material culture: community development and Native cultures project. The educational methodology used is intended to foster creativity among experienced First Nations craftspeople.
The project brought craftspeople and designers together, to share traditional Native know-how and the design process as a way of enriching each other's practice. The project drew on participants' openness and creativity through activities encouraging them to try something new.
In the space of just 10 weeks, the craftspeople registered for the workshops all successfully mastered a design approach that it takes many people years to understand and incorporate. Each of them was already a master in his or her field, of course, and so already had an understanding of design, which is often described as a contemporary craft in itself.
In addition, the exposure to Native values and know-how gave the research assistants in the workshops a chance to develop a new awareness and greater openness to people of other cultures. This is sure to bring a richer and more sensitive outlook to their future careers.