Caitlin
“I strive to make a modern twist to our traditional art, to modernize the narrative of indigenous peoples. We are often seen as these ancient beings from the past, and our settler colonial imperialist society would have most believe we no longer exist. My creations are my way of showing that we are still here, we are still fighting, and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Caitlin is resilient, inventive, and wise; she is an artist who reflects much of her Ojibwe roots into her creations and designs. Her beautiful handmade pieces can be found on her online store, Bizaanide’ewin Beadwork & Supplies, in which she honors and modernizes indigenous art in order to amplify and celebrate Native American culture. Her artwork is a form of expression and has served as a safe haven from the traumatic hardships of her past; her creations are a beacon of hope and healing for other survivors who are enduring the same fight. Meet Caitlin. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
C: Boozhoo! Binesiikwens indizhinikaaz, makwa indodem, Mazhkiziibii indoonjibaa. (Hello, Binesiikwens is my name, I am bear clan from Bad River, WI.)
My name is Caitlin Newago (Binesiikwens is my spirit name.) I'm a chronically ill artist, activist, and mother. I'm also an Ojibwe woman. My art is heavily influenced by traditional Ojibwe designs and other aspects of my culture. I strive to make a modern twist to our traditional art, to modernize the narrative of indigenous peoples. We are often seen as these ancient beings from the past, and our settler colonial imperialist society would have most believe we no longer exist. My creations are my way of showing that we are still here, we are still fighting, and we're not going anywhere anytime soon.
One of Caitlin’s many creations, which can be found on her website.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
C: Though I've always been a creative, I abandoned art through some of the darkest times in my life. I didn't create much of anything for nearly a decade. While I was stuck in a toxic, oftentimes abusive relationship, I slowly reconnected with my art. I began beading, which led to my starting a business. Soon, I was selling beading supplies. With this income and independence gained over time, I was finally able to leave this relationship full of escalating violence for good. I started my life over from scratch. I've worked relentlessly for years to get where I am now, and to ensure my son will never endure anything remotely similar to my own upbringing. My art is my strength. Tapping into my creative spirit, the core of who I am, has allowed me to come back to a good path and embrace my true self. Had I not, it's very possible that I would not be here today to share this.
My story is not something that is easy to share. And mine is one of thousands, and they don't all have happy endings. The MMIWG2S+ crisis shows exactly that. I'm one of the lucky ones.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
C: When asked what advice I'd give to my younger self, I drew a complete blank. Sure, I could say "just leave him!" but it wouldn't have been helpful. It would just contribute to the guilt and self loathing that I'm still working on healing from today. Younger Caitlin needed love. She needed to know she was worthy of being treated like a human being, that she IS a human being. That she was enough, that she wasn't alone, that asking for help wasn't being weak. She needed human empathy and support.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
C: As an Anishinaabe woman, I watched the women in my community for teachings on how to be a woman. I watched my aunties and cousins. These women are strong beyond belief. They are the foundation of their families. We would crumble without them. They are the support systems, the healers, the teachers, the homemakers, the source of the love that flows so strongly in the home. I have enormous shoes to fill to step into this role.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
C: If I can be half the woman and mother that my auntie Lori Powless is, I'll know I've done a good job. She loves her children so fiercely that their bond could never be severed. Everything she does is filled with love and care. She is who I want to be for my son. My auntie inspires me more than she knows, and she's an important role model not just for me, but for our entire family and community. Her strength is nothing short of extraordinary.