Mini-exhibition: Outra'ta' & käahia’khon’ – Wilderness stitchery

Before the arrival of glass beads and different artisanal materials, wendat women worked with porcupine needles and moose hair to embroider their clothes, headdresses, fineries, and different everyday objects.

These two traditional forms of wendat craftsmanship are almost extinct today, and the artist behind the works you will discover follows in the steps of the generations of women that came before her, helping to keep their legacy alive. Transmission to community members is possible thanks to efforts from the Onywawenda’ group who invite the holders of this knowledge to teach it.

The kid’s corner of the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre is proud to present different artisanal pieces that were created using these important and respected skills by wendat artisan Mélanie Savard. Wendat of the Wendat Nation, mother, artisan of 30 years, and holder of knowledge, she grew up within her community and became involved in cultural life at a young age. The works exhibited highlight embroidery as well as the Onyionhwentsïio fauna that has inspired unique and magical creations for centuries.

Artist: Mélanie Savard 

Legend: Mélanie Savard, Sans titre, 2025