Awanigiizhik Bruce
Awanigiizhik Bruce (Mikinaak-Wajiw Anishinaabe, Nehiyawe, Michif) is a Two-Spirit diverse-media artist based on the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation. Their artistic practice traverses traditional and ceremonial Nehiyaw-pwat forms, mixed media, and multimedia work. Their primary mediums include ledger art, quillwork, beadworking, painting, and computer-coded LED art. Awanigiizhik’s art focuses on the Anishinaabe philosophy of Seven Generations, a code of ethics respecting ecological consciousness and Indigenous heritage.
Niizhoomanidoowag Gichitwaawiziwag (those 2S are sacred)
Quillwork, etched birch bark basket with sweetgrass and red willow. I started creating this basket initially in 2017 before a major wrist injury. The theme was inspired from Trans month and my fascination with gynandromorphic butterflies. Each of the butterflies is different to show gender identities and community. Prairie roses are a common motif for my Turtle Mountain Chippewa peoples. The roses on the bottom encircle with the vines as a sacred hoop. Reminiscent of our cultural values of acceptance and respect and compassion and care.
Dimensions: 6.5” x 4”
As an activist embodying this continuum central to their Tribal culture, Awanigiizhik brings practices from ancestral traditional revitalization to the exploration of Indigenous futurism. Awanigiizhik earned a BA in Ojibwe Language, Culture, and History at Turtle Mountain Community College. Their work has been exhibited at venues such as the AICHO (American Indian Community Housing Organization) Gallery and supported by programs such as the 2022 Rural Regenerators Fellowship by Springboard for the Arts. Awanigiizhik spends much of the year completing site-specific and collaborative projects around the country, like murals in Duluth, MN and Belcourt, ND. Currently, they are developing a body of work synthesizing quillwork, birch-bark basketry, and robotics, and designing educational and visual resources for Turtle Mountain Community College.
Anangookaa Parfleche Boxes Set
This Plains Ojibwe/Cree parfleche box set was made in the style of our ancestors. Both are made tangentially in regards to Anishinaabe Star Knowledge. One has the Spring/Summer constellations, whereas the other has the Fall/Winter constellations. It’s made of elk rawhide, homemade earth pigment paints, and smoked, brain-tanned leather.
Dimensions: 10.5” x 14.5”
Northern Plains Cree Knife
Each side has a different beadwork design: one is floral and the other is geometric abstract. The knife is homemade with a domesticated sheep horn handle. It’s made of elk rawhide, homemade earth pigment paints, and smoked, brain-tanned leather.
Dimensions: 9” x 4”
