Greg Staats
embrace of the longhouse

Wampum is the medium of truth and intention by recording the heart and good mind of the Hodinöhsö:ni’. Within the Hodinöhsö:ni’ Condolence Ceremony to recognize and resolve grief, the transformative orality of At the Edge of the Woods is 4 reciprocal speeches followed by an action of exchange of codified white wampum strands embodying life and light, elevate and restore the good mind. This work is situated in liminal space, where trauma can be transformed collectively into renewal and while on the pathway to the longhouse a continuum of the intention of peace and where the community is held by the words of the condolence and restoration of the good mind is embraced and shared. When the body/memory is integrated into a site prescribed for creativity and transformation and when the language of ceremony includes the earth on which upon is walked – that is Landbase.

Digital photography printed on matte coated vinyl

Produced in partnership with University of Waterloo Art Gallery and Longhouse Labs