Quebec Cree take on pottery in new land-based program for mental health
Participants use clay from land, natural minerals and pitfire kiln to create ceramics
Cree in northern Quebec are making ceramics out of clay from their land. It's a "different spin" on their land-based programming for mental health.
"We're not out picking bows, hunting or harvesting. We're creating," said Leslie Tomatuk, the director of the Community Miyupimaatisiiun Centre (CMC) in Eastmain, located about 1,200 kilometres north of Montreal.
The CMC has been hosting clay-making workshops since last November as part of its land-based programming for mental health.
Participants use handbuilding techniques to create pieces that are then pitfired locally. For Tomatuk, pottery can offer a different way to connect with the land.
"We're still using the land … It's something that's not going to disappear or be gone. It's something that we would always keep and it's exciting to say that," said Tomatuk.
She's been attending the workshops and creating household items like a decorative mug, bowl, and even a moccasin.
She says the pottery allows her to focus on creating and helps relieve stress.
"It's a focus of just me doing something creative … Being connected to the land that way, it just gave me a moment to breathe," said Tomatuk.
She added that she asked her colleague and friend to start a program like this for community members.
Nathalie Doung is a mental health nurse who piloted the project. Doung was asked to bring programs to the community to help manage anxiety, depression, grief, among others.
"I really believe that art can be very therapeutic," said Doung.
Before taking on work in Eastmain, one of her main passions was pottery.
"I found beautiful natural clay on the banks of the Eastmain river that needs little to no processing," said Doung.
She then wanted to make it a group activity with community members.
"The idea is to make everything from the land like the clay from the river, colours from the minerals and fire to harden the pieces, just like the ancestors did a long time ago," said Doung.
Tomatuk pondered whether there is any history of its use.
"I sat and wondered what it was like [for them]," she says. "Did my grandparents or great, great grandparents use the clay? How did they know to keep on firing it? I guess they just knew, but what exactly did they use it for?"
Now that the colder months are approaching, the group will pause the outdoor firings and continue with dry clay-making indoors.
"We're hoping that we can get our own indoor kiln … We hope to have a constant running program with this for all ages," said Tomatuk.
While they want the program for all ages, Tomatuk emphasizes the importance of providing less labor intensive land-based activities for elders.
"We are at our healthiest when we are connected to the land and this is therapy," said Tomatuk.
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With files from Cole Bosum
