Water

Indigenous women have long recognized a sacred bond between themselves and the spirit of the water. Cited in Anderson, et al. (2011), we are introduced to this specific concept of reciprocity: “women have a special connection to the life force represented by water because of their ability to harbor and nurture new life.” Indigenous women maintain this connection by protecting the water, as well as honoring the beings that live within it. It is an Indigenous woman’s responsibility to provide for their children, and their children’s children. The next generations cannot thrive if we do not maintain the integrity of our waterways.

The leaping trout that is depicted on the lid of this box is a representation of this reciprocal relationship between water and women. Women see this relationship as an opportunity to provide for future generations. Perhaps, along with this teaching, this quillbox can be passed down the generations as well, and those in the future will be able to feel this sacred bond between water and Indigenous women.