Tag: learning

Portia Chapman

Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat ): Nishnaabemowin Children’s Book by Portia Po Chapman

Portia "Po" Chapman

Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat ): Nishnaabemowin Children’s Book by Portia Po Chapman

During the Summer (2021), I began learning Nishnaabemowin. My Trent University Professor was Shirley Ida Williams. Professor Williams wrote the textbook for the course: “Eshkintam Nishinaabemang Mzinagan: Introduction to Nishnaabemowin.” On page iv, Professor Williams describes the dialect as, “The main dialect used in this manual is linguistically classified as Manitoulin Central dialect of Ojibwe and Odawa and is part of Eastern Ojibway and an offshoot of the Mother language of Algonkian.”

It was really exciting to begin my journey learning the language.

As part of the course, I wrote, read aloud, and illustrated my first children’s book in Nishnaabemowin. In this little video, you can read along with me.

Why did I choose to write about the Zhashkoonh ( Muskrat )? As well as being part of the creation story, I enjoyed watching the muskrats as I grew up along side the lake. They always seemed to be a bit more playful than the beavers. While they are tiny, they sure are mighty!

I hope you enjoy reading along with me! Maybe you too can learn few Nishnaabemowin words!

Click to visit my Indigenous Art page.

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Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975

Art News, Portia Chapman, Portia's Adventures, Uncategorized

Portia Chapman’s “Desk” Has Places to Go What is Your Learning Story?

Portia "Po" Chapman

Portia Chapman’s “Desk” Has Places to Go!

What is Your Learning Story?

desk learning is a journey
“Desk” was Digitally Inserted into My Photograph – Windsor, Ontario

As an Art Teacher and Teacher of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies, I hope to take “Desk” on a learning tour. Covid-19 has taught us that learning happens everywhere in life – if we are willing to learn. The classroom suddenly became our living rooms, bedrooms, and even our cars.

We kept learning during a time that prevented us from going to the school building. I want to take “Desk” on a journey across the country.

A moving journey across our great land whereby each stop along the way invites people to sit at “Desk” and to tell their stories of learning. I really, really like school – sharing, learning, teaching, and so much more.

As the artist, I so aspire for “Desk” to remind all of us that we must not move backward – we must keep moving forward. Learning is everywhere and learning flourishes when we share our stories together.

desk learning everywhere
“Desk” was Digitally Inserted into My Photograph – Toronto, Ontario

This is “Desk” in the studio:

39
“Desk” by Portia “Po” Chapman, 2019 – In the Studio
 

“Desk” Artist Statement & Story with Additional Photos Including Construction

Po

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Belleville, Ontario, Canada
portia@loveartbypo.ca
613-779-7975