Stitching Generations Together: The Isadore and Mary Rose Charlo Family Exhibit and Doll Sewing Workshops

• Main Authors: Bourgeois, Rebecca L., Gelderman, Karen, Goldberg, Elizabeth (Libby)
• Other Authors: Elizabeth Sanspariel, Johnny Tailbone, Therese Washie, Sam Drybones, Treeva Richardson, Tammy Steinwand-Deschambeault, Tyanna Steinwand
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Sewing; Craft Revitalization; Tłı̨chǫ; Northwest Territories; Curation; Museums; Archives; Behchokǫ̀
• Online Access: https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/15995822-e551-48cf-8013-e10b472ef195; https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-pxve-fj23

This booklet is the second volume of the Tłı̨chǫ Cultural Commons Research Series which is centered around the work being done surrounding the development of the Tłı̨chǫ archive and museum. Here we detail the first installation of the rotating Tłı̨chǫ Family Exhibit, curated by Elizabeth Sanspariel to tell the story of her parents Isadore and Mary Rose Charlo. The exhibit and doll-sewing event originated from discussions at the Night at the Museum archival sharing circle (see Tłı̨chǫ Cultural Commons Research Series vol. 1) that took place in December 2022. Both at this event and in interviews that followed, we heard that community members would like to see their family members and teachers honoured in the museum, rather than just the chiefs or political leadership. Thanks to the donation of a new glass display case by the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, this feedback was able to be incorporated into the museum. Tłı̨chǫ Arts and Heritage Facilitator Karen Gelderman knew that many Tłı̨chǫ families curated their own cultural belongings, and approached Elizabeth Sanspariel about creating an exhibit that honoured her parents. This resulted in the creation of the Isadore and Mary Rose Charlo Family Exhibit. The Isadore and Mary Rose Charlo Family Exhibit in the Behchokǫ̀ Community Museum was a first attempt at creating a family curated display designed to share the stories and legacy of a strong Tłı̨chǫ couple. Their daughter, Elizabeth Sanspariel, collected belongings and stories with the help of her family members. From there, assisted by Rosalie Scott (the conservator at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre), this exhibit was created. It is the first of a series of new museum programming—the Tłı̨chǫ Family Exhibit—that will provide a rotating space where community members can curate belongings that tell the story of their families. Accompanying the exhibit was the Mary Rose Charlo inspired doll making workshop and school event. The workshop and exhibit combination is a powerful way to teach ...