Dennis welcomes public to tipi open house – Stratford Today

August 23, 2024

Newly-constructed tipi offers insight into indigenous cultures

The design of a tipi is steeped in symbolism; its function is deeply spiritual. The massive newly-constructed Tipi of Huron Perth in Gowanstown, north of Stratford, is celebrated as a special place to recalibrate one’s life-balance.

Though it is historically a Cree and Lakota construction, the tipi is an adopted symbol of North American indigenous cultures. According to Christin Dennis, originally from Aamjiwnaang (Chippewas of Sarnia First Nation,) the Tipi of Huron Perth serves as a venue to assemble elders, knowledge-carriers and indigenous people in a place where they can share and learn about their indigenous culture, and reaffirm Mino-Bimaadiziwin, the Anishinaabe concept of living a good life, balanced and connected to family, community and the land.

Dennis is a renowned contemporary indigenous artist who works with the Catholic School Board and the Avon Maitland District School Board to share his knowledge of indigenous culture.