Boozhoo indinawemagnidoog, Victoria indizhinikaaz, Memegwesiikwe indigoo. Migizi indoodem, Miskwaabiikang indoonijibaa.
My name is Victoria Gokee, and I was named after my grandmother Victoria “Toddy” Gokee (LaFernier). I am eagle clan from Red Cliff. I began by introducing myself in Ojibwe because my identity as an Anishinaabekwe is the driving force that shapes the way I live my life and influences my artwork. I love fine detail work such as leather, beading, sewing, and digital artwork design. I was introduced to leatherwork at 7 years old by a first language Ojibwe speaker who was born in a birchbark lodge – Miscobineshiiban from St. Croix who passed away in 2024. I was mentored for over 10 years working with leather and making traditional pucker toe moccasins. As I got older, I took over teaching of younger children while Miscobineshiiban worked with adults. She taught me how to respect leather and how to properly care for it. With the knowledge that was passed on I started to branch out with other leather crafts including pouches and lacrosse balls. I feel a strong obligation to have these traditional crafts available and to pass the knowledge to future generations.
My proposed project is a series of leather-based community workshops, with an emphasis on education to hone these skills in other artisans. My hope is that artisans gain the skills to be able to create these crafts on their own in the future to preserve and sustain these cultural practices. My workshops will run on a weekly basis from May – November, one evening per week from 5 – 7. The flexibility of this schedule will allow community members will be able to attend as many workshops as it takes to complete their project with direct feedback and assistance as needed. It is important to have teaching opportunities available, not only during specific cultural camps, but throughout the year. This grant would cover the costs of all the materials needed.
I have significant experience making Ojibwe pucker toe moccasins. I co-ran moccasin making at my reservation’s annual culture camp alongside my mentor, Miscobineshiiban, from age 13 – 20. I have taught at this weeklong camp myself 3 times in the past, as well as at several other 1 – 2-day community events. This past year I attended the camp not as a teacher/mentor, but as an attendee. I sat at the moccasin making table where Misobineshiiban’s daughter was instructing. A few mistakes were being made and I stepped in to gently help guide them, reminding them what Miscobineshiiban would say, “Rip it out and start over.” We had some good laughs remembering her teaching style and being in community. These culture camps happen during the work week when many individuals do not have the flexibility to take off work to attend and learn. This makes teachers/mentors unavailable for many people. Based on my experience working with leather for moccasins, my skills directly translate into tobacco pouch making with the same stitches and concepts being applied. I made my first tobacco pouch about 5 years ago. I have helped facilitate 6 lacrosse stick making workshops as well. These workshops were mainly geared toward school groups and youth, but a couple were more adult focused. These experiences have given me the confidence to lead and direct groups of learners of all ages – from very young around 6 years old – elders. My workshops will be available to individuals of all ages.
