Loup Garou & Moccasins

Tales and stories are part of our childhood. It is often when we go to bed at night that a parent tells us a fairy tale.  Lying on our pillow listening to the voice of someone we love soothes us and puts us to sleep. We are in dreamland!

In the Algonquin and Metis tradition, moccasins not only put our feet on but also connect us to the earth. On special occasions, we are often given a new pair of moccasins with beadwork to signify the importance of the occasion but also to keep us grounded in life.

Storytelling and traditional dress are part of many cultures. It is a common link. The “Moccushion” series consists of a dozen stories drawn from Metis families across Ontario. Their construction is made with a variety of leather, fur, wool, embroidery and various beads chosen specifically for the tale. In addition to interpreting a traditional tale, they show us some things about distinct Metis art styles. -Bertin

Nathalie Bertin is a multidisciplinary visual artist from Toronto, Ontario. She has lived near the shores of Lake Nosbonsing, between North Bay and Mattawa, since 2021. She is of French, Metis and Algonquin ancestry with roots in Trois Rivieres (QC), Michilimakinac (USA) & Nipissing (ON).