Animigaashin (move away leaving a trail)
Tia Cavanagh
Anishinaabekwe of mixed ancestry from Sagamok First Nation
Originally from the northern shores of Lake Huron in Ontario, Tia Cavanagh is an Anishinaabekwe of mixed ancestry with ties to Sagamok First Nation. Cavanagh has lived and studied in Havelock, Norwood, Peterborough, Montreal and Toronto. She holds a BFA from OCAD university and is currently studying at Trent University working on her Masters degree in The Ethics of Collaboration between Indigenous and Settler Artists.
Tia is a multi-disciplinary artist using materials such as paint, wood, fabrics, sculpture and projection. For her, storytelling, process, discovery and new meaning are at the core of art making. With these aspects at the root, she continues to explore approaches and understanding through the creative lens of an Anishinaabekwe drawing upon Indigenous research methodologies.
About Animigaashin (move away leaving a trail)
All species have a reliance on the water and wetlands for survival. Animigaashin highlights species that thrived in this area pre-settlement/pre-lock system --- Eels, Wild Rice, Water Soldier (perennial aquatic plant), Lady Slippers (also known as Moccasin Flower), Pitcher Plant (thrives in wetlands) and Blue Hearts. My hope is to raise awareness about these species, as well as understanding about how they became endangered. This is the cost of the lock system.
When I think of the waterways in this area, I think of James Whetung and the work he has done with Wild Rice in the area, all the traditional knowledge he holds and how generous he is with it. I think of the work of Madeline Whetung and her master’s thesis on "Nishnaabeg Encounters: Living Indigenous Landscapes". I think about Drew Hayden Taylor and his play, “Cottagers & Indians", that explores the complexities of water rights and the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples through humour.
If my work can add to this important dialogue-- or encourage others to learn from the work of these individuals - I would be glad. The juxtaposition of the meaning and species overlayed on a metal man-made structure is a happy coincidence that strengthens my original intent with Animigaashin (move away leaving a trail) Miigwetch for reading!
– Tia Cavanagh, 2024
