September 1, 2016 – Full Issue
As a kid, I was always interested in making dioramas,” says tribal community member Candace Skenandore.
Skenandore was offered the opportunity to engage with the Summer Day Camp youth for a wonderful educational opportunity. Throughout the course of six weeks, other tribal youth and Skenandore constructed a very accurate diorama of the Neshnabek aboriginals way of living before the “discovery” of the Potawatomi people by French European settlers in the 15th century.
Through many weeks of preparation, Skenandore did much studying through the local museum. “I read mainly two books that had a lot of information,” she stated. She also asked tribal elder Jim Thunder and tribal member Sam Alloway about many of the original ways of how the Potawatomi lived when they were still “undiscovered”.
Throughout her preparation before constructing this diorama, Skenandore found out some interesting facts. “I’ve found out a lot by the history. In the summertime they (the Potawatomi) migrated near water for better crops, fishing, etc.,” says Skenandore.
While looking at the diorama, Skenandore pointed out the seasonal changes she formulated into her project, showing the changes of three seasons: fall, winter and spring. “In the winter, they moved into the wildlife area (woods) in order for better hunting for themselves and the community.”
Wanting to make the construction fun for the Summer Day Camp youth, Skenandore utilized many materials that she was able to gather from outside in order to create a more natural look with the kids. She wanted the opportunity to be fun and educational at the same time. “I wanted them to have fun doing stuff in the summer for their program,” Skenandore said. The kids were able to gain a more educated view into how their ancestors lived while also receiving a deeper understanding and connection to their heritage and culture.
After a long time of construction, the diorama is displayed at the Potawatomi Library & Museum. Skenandore thanks the Summer Day Camp staff for the opportunity and the students for making the project enjoyable for all.