Virtual Exhibit: Ukwehuwe​

ONEIDA NATION OF THE THAMES

Ukwehuwe

ONEIDA SETTLEMENT - EMILY SCHUYLER

In 1840, Oneida Nation of the Thames became home to over 200 Oneida men, women, and children in Delaware Township in Middlesex County when they lost their land base in New York State to the Europeans over the course of numerous Land Agreements and Treaties. This makes Oneida Nation of the Thames unique in that lands were purchased, with their own funds, and not allotted or granted by the Government as with other Indigenous Communities. For this reason, they are referred to as Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement and prefer not to be referred to as a Reserve.

When the ancestors of Oneida chose this site for their future generations, it was a pristine piece of land with water and all necessities of life at hand.

3D rendering created by Juan Fernando Berrazueta Subia

Each of the individuals who travelled with the community to the current settlement is represented by a shell bead. The outlines of the lands of the Oneida Nation of the Thames Settlement is represented on the hide.

About the Artist

Emily Schuyler is an emerging multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames. Schuyler received a Certificate and an Advanced Diploma in Fine Art from Fanshawe College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Studio Arts Degree from the Institute of the American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. While at Fanshawe, Schuyler was awarded the Bob and Shelly Siskind Visual Arts Award & the Mackie Cryderman Award for Excellence in the Arts. Schuyler exhibits internationally and creates mixed media works that provides an intimate narrative into her cultural traditions, personal stories and lived experiences. Schuyler continues to create work focused on her cultural heritage, and what it means to be a contemporary Indigenous artist.

PAINTINGS

Cayuga
Cayuga - People of the Great Swamp, Pipe Bearers (Feather to the Side)
Mohawk
Mohawk - People of the Flint Keepers of the Eastern Door (3 Feathers Straight Up)
Onadaga
Onodaga - People of the Hill, Fire Keepers (1 Feather Up, 1 Feather to the Side)
Oneida
Oneida - People of the Standing Stone, Younger Brother (2 Feathers Up, 1 Feather to the Side)
Seneca
Seneca - People of the Great Hill, Keepers of the Western Door (1 Feather Straight Up)
Tuscarora
Tuscarora - People of the Shirt (No Feather)

BLACK ASH BASKETS - KATIE SICKLES

3D rendering created by Juan Fernando Berrazueta Subia

Round woven black ash basket by Katie Sickles
Round woven black ash basket by Katie Sickles
Rectangular woven black ash basket with handle by Katie Sickles
Rectangular woven black ash basket with handle by Katie Sickles

About the Artist

Katie Sickles (1920-2019) was a highly skilled and respected basket maker from the Oneida Nation located in southern Canada. Her black ash baskets were particularly noteworthy for featuring a delicate rim, showcasing her exceptional craftsmanship. These baskets were made using woven ash wood splints and sweet grass.