Centre at the Forks
Katie Wilhelm and Summer Bressette are based in London, Ontario, and have been creative collaborators since 2021. They champion Indigenous knowledge with its deep roots in environmental care. Their new single-channel digital video, called Baapaagimaak, takes its name from the Anishinaabemowin word for the endangered Black Ash tree, a native species which in recent years has been decimated by an invasive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer.
Working in dialogue with Curator of Art Cassandra Getty, the artists made this project for display in the large windows in Centre at the Forks, overlooking the river. The river water, like the Black Ash, is life and supports life; its flow symbolizes change and renewal over time. Baapaagimaak: Weaving Endurance is the result of an outdoor basket weaving workshop led by Faye George who is an artist from the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and ongoing land-based research by the artists.
Katie and Summer describe the project as follows:
We are nature, embodying its intrinsic order reflected in tree rings, destructive patterns, and the generational passage of time. The devastation of the Black Ash tree by the Emerald Ash Borer mirrors Indigenous genocide by Settler Colonialists. It teaches a profound lesson about the resilience of kinship.
Through visual references to Ash Borer patterns made in Black Ash tree rings, this media artwork explores themes of devastation and regeneration of nature at the heart of existence, challenging colonial perspectives and embracing the radical endurance of nature itself.
Through the craft of Black Ash basketmaking, we as Anishinaabeg reconnect with our cultural heritage. We document the traditional process of harvesting trees and creating baskets, both in video form, and through an audio link available at the Museum London website. This journey symbolizes a reclamation of order and identity for Indigenous Peoples, nurturing creativity and knowledge sharing through hands-on work.
This project speaks to Indigenous audiences, environmental advocates, and all people settled on Deshkan Ziibing territory, offering a vision of healing and renewal. By embracing the teachings of our Elders and kinship with the environment, we envision a future where young people are empowered to revive traditional practices.
As translated to Anishinaabemowin by language keeper Mario Weesaykeesic:
Imaa idash biinji-aagimaatigoong, iniw otaawigibi’iganan, ono mazinaakizigewinan gaa-biindashiwijigaazod waaw aagimaatig ezhi-banaajichigaazod miinawaa ezhi-aanji-niigisemaagadin imaa onji ayaamagadiging, ono mazinaakizigewinan onjida dash o-gagwe-maanenimigaademigon iwe mamaazhitoowin-inendaagoziwin zhigwa o-gagwe-minawenjigaademaagad epichi-basabaagamizid waaw Ashkaakamigokwe ezhigikenimaangid.
Baapaagimaak can be viewed at the Centre of the Forks, on the indoor digital wall during the day, and outside after sunset on windows overlooking the Forks of the Deshkan Ziibing/Thames River. Please contact Museum London before visiting in the evening, to confirm the screening is taking place.
This project is supported by the Nancy Geddes Poole Acquisition Fund held at Museum London.
About the Artists
Summer Bressette is an Anishinaabe from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. She is a curator, community animator, educator, public speaker, and storyteller. In 2013, she earned her Master's in Education from Western University, where she specialized in Indigenous Education Policy Leadership. Summer is passionate about the arts, education, and language revitalization.
Katie Wilhelm is an Anishnaabe from Chippewas of Nawash First Nation. She is an award-winning designer and consultant and received a London Top 20 Under 40 designation in 2021. Her artwork centres on themes of reconciliation and reclaiming Indigenous joy. A champion for the Indigenous community, she continuously looks to inspire others to create a more colourful future for Turtle Island.