Mohawk Creation Story with Cara Loft

Join Kanien'kehá:ka storyteller Cara Loft for a recitation of the Mohawk Creation Story. - On Saturday, November 14, join Cara Loft, Kanien'kehá:ka storyteller, hand drum carrier, traditional song keeper, and Educational Developer for Indigenous Knowledges and Pedagogies at the University of Guelph, for a recitation of the Mohawk Creation Story. Presented in conjunction with AGG's current exhibition Earth Bodies, this event will bring our minds together as one as we consider clay's intimate connection to the Earth and to all of creation. This program will begin in a good way with a song and a smudge and end with a closing song. Tea will be served. Participants are encouraged bring their own reusable mugs. This program is open to all. Registration is required as space is limited. We hope to deliver this program outside in the Sculpture Park. Please come dressed for the weather. If necessary, we will move inside the Gallery. - About the facilitator: She:kon! Hello! My name is Cara Loft, and I am the Educational Developer for Indigenous Knowledges and Pedagogies at the University of Guelph. I am a proud Mohawk (Kanienkehake) woman from Tyendinaga (Kehn:teke) First Nation who currently resides in Kitchener, ON. I completed my Bachelors in Health Sciences, and my Masters in Cultural Analysis and Social Theory, at Wilfrid Laurier University. I also received a Post Graduate Certificate in International Development, and a Teaching Excellence Certificate, from Humber College. I have worked as a Staff, and Faculty, in decolonial and indigenized programming at post-secondary institutions in Ontario. I am passionate about decolonizing education and the potential to create more wholistic teaching and learning environments, in post-secondary institutions. I am a proud Indigenous hand drum carrier and traditional song keeper. I was born in London, ON and grew up in a small farming community called Ilderton, ON. I am also a dog mom to an English Cocker Spaniel named Chloe. In addition to my role as an Educational Developer, I also facilitate community development through arts projects like singing, drumming, sewing, photography, and poetry. I completed an Indigi-Orchestral Project in November of 2022 called Ka’shatsténshera: The Power and Unity of Music in partnership with Dr. Kira Omelchenko at Wilfrid Laurier University. Nia:wen! Thanks! Cara. - Image detail (left to right): Headshot of Cara Loft. Courtesy of facilitator; KC Adams, Maada'oonidiwag (Coming Together), 2022, bronze and limestone. Public sculpture commissioned with the generous support of Joan and George Todd through the Florence G. Partridge Fund. Art Gallery of Guelph Collection