Mary Ann Marangowi-Manatcha
Hudson Bay’s part in resolving the “Indian Problem”.
-
HBC LOVE Oil on Canvas, 16”x21”
Biography
Mary Ann Maiangowi-Manatch is an emerging Odawa (Wiikwemkoong) & Algonquin (Mitchikanibikok Inik) artist, a friend, and a protector of the earth. Practising on Anishinabeg territory alongside the land, Mary Ann specializes in birch bark work, brain hide tanning, and acrylic and oil paintings. Mary Ann’s work focuses on healing and ancestral knowledge pulling from her life experiences to create culturally significant pieces that help discuss Indigenous issues as well as Anishinabek pedagogies. She is an advocate for Land-Based Learning initiatives and the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge into education. Mary Ann also works closely with Anishinabek youth, allowing them to experience the land as she does.
Mary Ann holds a Fine Arts diploma from Centennial College. Mary Ann has been a three time participant with Ngig Indigenous Regalia Residency with OCADu and has also completed three traditional hide tanning camps with Niizh Manidook Hide Camp, and has assisted in facilitating a camp with Endaayaan Awejaa in 2022. In the summer of 2023, Mary Ann became a Youth Ambassador with the The Kickback Foundation and the Toronto Raptors.
Mary Ann is currently completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Indigenous Visual Culture at the Ontario College of Art and Design University.
Statement
I was inspired by Jennie Clark’s work and our conversation. So much has happened these past few years in Canada. Jennie talked about the Pope’s visit. She talked about the 215 children that were confirmed in unmarked graves and how there are 138 more residential schools yet to scan for children who never went home.
The First Nations have always known about the residential school atrocities. We did tell authorities…No one wanted to believe us… or if they did, they chose not to act on it and hold people accountable.
My work speaks to the Hudson Bay’s part in resolving the “Indian Problem”. My family comes from a long line of trappers who worked for the Hudson Bay. When the Company did not need us any more, they came up with the idea of infecting their blankets with small pox. It was done in the States. Why not do it here.
I remember when my mother was not feeling well one day. She asked my father to get her a blanket. He turned to get her one. “Don’t bring that Pox one!” she said. That’s how I learned about the Hudson Bay, small pox, Blankets. The Company wanted to get rid of us too.
When I see people wearing Hudson Bay socks, coats and using the other products, I realize that they probably don’t know the history of the Hudson Bay blanket germ-warfare.
We are still here and waiting for the corporate world to tell the truth and set things right, too.