Forest Gifts

“Forest Gifts” is a Kanyenke’ha’ka (Mohawk) and Annishinabe collaboration of honouring and expressing their relationship with the Tree Nations and their many gifts and generosity to us as human beings. This exhibit involved the construction of the log mortars and pestles (crafted from donated local sources), and creating stamps to print the log-rings using Walnut Ink. This results in stunning log ring prints that will make you consider your relationship with nature in a way like none other.

Janice Brant Kahèhtoktha is Kanyanke’ha’ka from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario, Canada. She sits with the Bear Clan and carries on her family heritage as a dedicated farmer. She is an artist, scholar, educator, and author of Rotinonhsyon:ni language and culture. An actionist for sacred-ecology and seed conservation, she helped to found Ratinenhayenthos “they are farmers of the seed” and the Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary & Learning Centre (KSSLC), host to a living seed collection.

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2023) Melt Studio + Gallery will also display Janice Brant Kahèhtoktha’s piece “Lateral Kindness”.

Janice Brant Kahèhtoktha’s “Forest Gifts” are displayed at Melt Gallery from September 16- October 8th. There will be an opening reception Sept. 23 7-9 pm open to the public, happening at Melt Gallery (located at Base 31). Melt Studio Gallery is located at Base 31 in Picton and is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays, 11-5.