Winnipeg, MB (January 29, 2019): The Manitoba Museum is proud to announce the release of a new publication entitled, Dibaajimindww Geteyaag: Ogiiyose, Noojigiigoo’iwe gaye Dibinawaag Nibiing Onji or, as translated into English, Stories of the Old Ones: Hunter and Fisher from Sheltered Water. Written by Kevin Brownlee, Curator of Archeology at the Manitoba Museum, this fascinating chronicle was twenty years in the making.
Four thousand years ago, a young man was laid to rest along the shores of the Lee River in southeastern Manitoba. The discovery of his remains and personal belongings in 1997 led to the development of a collaborative research project among Sagkeeng Anicinabe Government, the provincial Historic Resources Branch, and the Manitoba Museum. The 183-page book details the respectful archaeological recovery, study and reburial of this Ancestor and tells a story of the life he might have lived through historical fiction. It weaves together Indigenous knowledge from the late Elder Mark Thompson and other community members, with archaeological research, natural history, ethnographic collections, contemporary Indigenous art, and stunning photography.
The Museum recognizes that path to reconciliation takes many directions and forms. This publication was designed and written to contribute to this dialogue and to open a portal to the past to help us all build for a better future.
As part of the book launch, the Museum will be hosting a panel discussion with author Kevin Brownlee joined by the book’s designer Ed Winters, art advisor, Jaimie Isaac of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and Lita Fontaine a local Indigenous artist whose work is featured in the book. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, January 30 at 7 pm in the Auditorium followed by a book signing and reception in the Foyer at 8 pm. Tea, coffee, and bannock will be served at this free event and children are welcome.
About the Author: Kevin Brownlee obtained his Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Manitoba. He was hired as the Curator of Archaeology at the Manitoba Museum in 2003. His research focuses on the archaeology of Manitoba’s boreal forest and the emerging field of indigenous archaeology.
