Embodied sensory research: Wendy-bah's dolls and working across generations

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On the passing of my Auntie Wendy-bah I was entrusted with hundreds of the dolls that are her gift to the people. These dolls embody her philosophy and speak to many Metis ways. Wendy-bah found materials for her creations in what others would discard as garbage. In her own words "Each of these little dolls has been lovingly handcrafted with recycled materials to create something new and wonderful. No two are exactly identical; just as we are all unique, each doll has slight variations in size and colouring, age and style. Each individual doll is different, and reflective of the wonderful diversity of us all."

Frankie 

Her instructions for us were ensure that these dollies and their story got out to the people. I started by sharing some dolls for gifts maybe adding small items or a bit of beading. However, over the years I started adding accessories and Indigenous symbolism as a means of practicing the teachings I had received from the Elders on these matters. I found this time of reflection and intergenerational dialogue helped me to ask different questions of my sources and integrate research at a deeper level. These dolls have gone to babies born in the Bear Circle and as gifts to dignitaries and Elders. The last conversation I had with Wendy-bah, on this side of the rainbow bridge, was about my dream of the grandmothers and the research work I was planning. As we said goodbye she told me, "I have so many ideas for the next time we speak." 

During my sabbatical, when I hoped to write and synthesize my research, I sat in the garden and sewed. I sewed in relationship, in protest and in research. I decided to use some of these dolls to create physical manifestations of my intellectual ancestors and their work, and to make dolls for each Matriarch in my paper. I will post these creations and my thoughts on embodied research but I cannot start that writing without starting with a Ninanaskomowin for Wendy-bah's love and gifts.