Meet the Maker:

 

 

Boozhoo/Hello!

 

My name is Morgan and I am a band member of Fort William First Nation on the outskirts of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Both my mother and father are band members of Fort William First Nation. I was raised off the reserve though as my family suffered drastically from the aftermath of residential schools. Today I am breaking the intergenerational trauma cycle, I strive to live a good, culturally enriched life for myself and my son.

 

I made Zaagi Creations as a way to be creative in a new modern way, finding other inspiring resin artists within just Thunder Bay, ON, Canada. I also have been on my own cultural journey the past three years as I reclaim a culture that was taken from me as a child. 

 

When I first started this I worked as an Early Childhood Educator in a Indigenous based childcare where I truly began my journey, exploring the culture first hand, immersing myself into everything I possibly could for myself, and for my son. 

 

During that time I was fortunate enough to meet many great indigenous children, families, elders and people, after all it’s a big community of people wanting to support one and another. Around this time I inquired with an elder on the path I was looking at starting which would be “Zaagi Creations”, asking if it were right or not based on differing opinions of people, that Elder gave me a smile and spoke softly “Morgan if you believe in it, than do it, I believe you are the the creator of your path, follow it”.


Today I work as a Early Childhood Educator/Resource Consultant, supporting children and their families. I have worked hard going to school in order to be where I am today. I took a chance at accepting this new job and experience in hopes to better myself and provide a better life for my son, I am glad to be where I am today.


I have created pieces of jewelry and other creations containing niiwin (4) mashkiki, which is special to the indigenous communities. Each piece is meant to aid the person on their journey through life, we all know life can sometimes be challenging. Tobacco (Asemaa), Sage (Mashkodewashk), Cedar (Giizhik) and Sweet Grass (Wiingushk) each respectfully sourced and blessed, purifying away negativity and supporting the person in continuing on even when faced with challenges. I meant for this endeavor to be based in a respectful manner, taking a part of my culture and history, creating something I could Cary with me through thick and thin. 

 

I would also like to thank my partner Jordan for all his support, he helps out with all the background stuff of Zaagi Creations, keeps me on track and without him we wouldn't be where we are today. Jordan loves the culture and strives to learn and respect all that comes with the culture, its truly amazing to see how much he relates to it in his own day to day life.

 

Chi-Miigwech for being apart of our growth!

- Morgan