(Submitted/Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

By Cam Lee

Talking Quilt

James Smith Cree Nation ‘Talking Quilt’ received by Sask Polytechnic

Feb 7, 2025 | 6:00 AM

An incredibly moving quilt is now in the hands of Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The Talking Quilt was created by the women of James Smith Cree Nation while sharing stories of residential school experiences and abuse suffered in their lifetimes.

The quilt was started 25 years ago by founder Ruby Head, and the squares tell each unique story, including life journeys and healing. It’s known as the talking quilt as the women were talking about their experiences while sewing the squares.

Transfer of care for the Talking Quilt was passed from the women to Sask Polytech on Feb. 6, after Elder Sandra Head shared the story with Eileen Zaba of the Sask Polytech Psychiatric Nursing faculty and Sask Polytech Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS) researcher Lindsey Boechler.

“I’m happy the blanket is in a safe place,” Elder Sandra said. “With the quilt, it was difficult at times, we would break down. It did help us in the healing process, because we learned to talk about what happened to us and put it to rest. When we worked on the quilt it brought out a lot of feelings for us. We got to understand the women, why they were the way they were, because of their experiences in residential school.”

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Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask. Polytech president and CEO said it’s a great honour for the school to be the keeper of the Talking Quilt, which is located at the Saskatoon campus – on Treaty 6 Territory.

“By honouring the wishes of the women from the James Smith Cree Nation and preserving and displaying the quilt at Sask Polytech, this project enhances cultural understanding among our students, faculty, staff and public who visit Saskatoon campus. Thank you to the women of James Smith Cree Nation for trusting Sask Polytech to be the keeper of this cultural heirloom,” Rosia said in a news release.

A ceremony was held at the Saskatoon campus for the handover, and the women who created the quilt offered tobacco blessings as they entered the gym with the quilt. The elders and others who created the quilt then passed it to Sask. Polytech representatives for safekeeping and display.

Zaba said the quilt was previously cared for by Elder Sandra, and she asked for help to find a new keeper for the quilt, as she didn’t want the history to be lost.

“After much discussion, we collaboratively decided that Sask Polytech, with its ongoing dedication to indigenization and reconciliation, is well positioned to serve as the keeper of the quilt.”

Sask Polytech also interviewed and recorded the oral histories of the living women from James Smith Cree Nation who contributed to the quilt. You can hear the stories of Joan Daniels, Elder Sandra Head, Elder Cecile Moostoss, Cosette Moostoos, Tena Moostoos and Sharon Starblanket at saskpolytech.ca/talkingquilt.

Others who contributed to the quilt include Gina Head, Elder Arlene Moostoos, Brandi Sanderson, Elder Darlene Sanderson and Rhonda Sanderson, while Ruby Head, Albertine Moostoos, and Sophia (Tarry) Whitehead also contributed but have since passed away.

The Sask Polytech news release said the project helps educate students, employees and leadership about Indigenous experiences and resilience. It also supports several Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action (CTA) including CTA 62 which focuses on incorporating Indigenous history, knowledge and perspectives into post-secondary education.

Boechler said the ceremony was one of the most impactful and profound she’s ever been a part of.

“These women are important matriarchs who shared hard truths while working on the quilt together. This event honoured these women and their important healing journeys.”

The Talking Quilt initiative was funded in part by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation’s Truth and Action Fund and CHRIS.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com