“I’ve been reborn. I know it was the Creator who helped me.”
Agathe was born to a Cree mother from Waswanipi and raised among the Atikamekw, whose language she speaks. Her grandfather came from the Anicinape community of Kitcisakik. As a result, she spent her childhood moving all over the territory, and retains lasting memories of her nomadic life. She and her family lived entirely off the land, the seasons dictating their movements. This period of her life remains her greatest source of inspiration. She loves to revisit the places where she lived in the forest, both on foot and in her thoughts, to design works that are faithful to her heritage:
“When I’m crafting, I go to the woods a lot. I take a tour of the places I’ve already been. It’s inspiring to have grown up in the woods, you never forget that. I feel lucky to have been raised in the forest.”
Agathe wakes up one morning after having a dream of rare clarity: in her dream, she had woven a dream catcher that imitated the pattern of a spider’s web. As soon as she woke up, she grabbed her material and crafted one in the image of what she had seen in her dream. Her work is still recognizable in this unique weave, which testifies to the creativity of her approach and the depth of her connection to nature.
Agathe is a curious woman who likes to learn independently. She learned her craft through observation and experimentation as a child, but didn’t get back into it seriously until well into adulthood. Taking up craft again had the effect of therapy, helping her to recover from her addiction problems. Whether she’s making jewelry, miniature tikinagagan, snowshoes and canoes, moccasins or dreamcatchers, Agathe feels she’s reconnecting with her identity and feeling good about herself. By awakening memories of her childhood in the forest to infuse her creations, Agathe is gently making peace with her boarding school experience. Today, she shares her know-how with her community through culinary and cultural workshops. Each of her creations is imbued with the same desire to make a positive contribution to others:
“I think about what I’m doing and who’s going to receive it and be happy. I put a lot of energy into it, good things, good thoughts, energy.”
Agathe accepts commissions and offers workshops for teenagers and adults. She can be reached through the Native Friendship Center of Senneterre. If she doesn’t answer, it’s because she’s in the forest or traveling!
Photos: Marie-Raphaëlle LeBlond
