Haasum Bineshiiyag (Shirley White)
Haasum Bineshiiyag (Shirley White) is an Anishinaabe Elder, Jingle Dress Dancer/Maker, and Land-based Artisan from Naotkamegwanning First Nations, WhitefishBay, Treaty #3 Territory. Her Anishinaabe name is Haasumi Bineshiiyag (Thunder Bird - the sound of thunder) and she is a member of the Lynx Clan. She is known as the daughter of the first jingle dress dancer and honours this legacy by carrying on the teachings taught to her by her mother, Mizhiikeyatamook (Maggie White).
She lives in Kenora, Ontario and loves travelling to Powwows and spending time with her family. Haasum lives by Lynx Clan teachings and leads by example in communities. She teaches through movements when she dances in the Original Style and dances for the healing of All Our Relations. Her legacy of The Healing Dress lives on through all jingle dress dancers and has helped many people on Turtle Island, as the dress comes at an important time in history for healing and resurgence.
Haasum's beadwork is healing and can be used for your regalia, for passing on teachings, and to enjoy with your family - forever. She wants everyone to dance their style and to put semaa (tobacco) on the grass when you hear the Thunder Birds.
The Healing Dress: Stories and Art of Resilience by Haasum Bineshiiyag
Join us for a profound Truth Talk with Haasum Bineshiiyag,also known as Shirley White, an Anishinaabe Elder, Jingle Dress Dancer andMaker, and Land-based Artisan from Naotkamegwanning First Nations (WhitefishBay, Treaty #3 Territory). As a proud member of the Lynx Clan, Haasum carriesthe Anishinaabe name Animkiig (Thunder Bird), representing the powerful soundof thunder. Known as the daughter of the first jingle dress dancer, she honoursher mother Mizhiikeyatamook’s (Maggie White’s) legacy by upholding and sharingthe teachings of The Healing Dress—a dress that has brought immense healing andresilience to communities across Turtle Island.
In this unique Truth Talk, Haasum will guide us through herjourney as a dancer, artisan, and storyteller, using her stunning beadedartwork as a portal to share her stories and teachings. This is a rareopportunity to view Haasum's artwork, each piece crafted with deep intentionand available for purchase as a special gift. These pieces are more thanart—they are history and healing in tangible form. Don’t miss the chance topurchase a piece of this legacy and give back to a matriarch who has beengiving to her community her entire life.
Speaking in her Ojibway language, Haasum will share storiesof her art, her Lynx Clan teachings, and the ancestral power of the jingledress for All Our Relations. This event offers a rare opportunity to connectwith the origins of the first jingle dress and the healing tradition itembodies, as well as to learn about the importance of dancing one's style andoffering semaa (tobacco) to the Earth when hearing the call of the ThunderBirds.
Haasum’s daughter, Miizhigaatamook nii zho dizz nii cuz-keezhigook ga aa dizh zhin na gaaz (Birdie White), will join her to assistwith translation during the Q&A. Don’t miss this incredible chance to learnfrom Haasum's wisdom, artistry, and the timeless power of Anishinaabe teachingsthrough movement and storytelling.
Healing Through Art: The Legacy of the Jingle Dress by Haasum Bineshiiyag
Experience the powerful intersection of art, history, and healing in this unique exhibition by Haasum Bineshiiyag, also known as Shirley White, an Anishinaabe Elder, Jingle Dress Dancer and Maker, and Land-based Artisan from Naotkamegwanning First Nations (Whitefish Bay, Treaty #3Territory). As a proud member of the Lynx Clan, Haasum carries the Anishinaabe name Animkiig (Thunder Bird), a symbol of the powerful sound of thunder. Known as the daughter of the first jingle dress dancer, Haasum honors her mother Mizhiikeyatamook’s (Maggie White’s) legacy by continuing the teachings of The Healing Dress—a dress that has brought profound resilience and healing to communities across Turtle Island.
Through her breathtaking beaded artwork, each piece carefully crafted with deep intention, Haasum invites us into her journey as an artist, healer, and storyteller. This is a rare opportunity to view and purchase pieces from her collection, each embodying history and healing intangible form. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of this legacy and support a matriarch who has devoted her life to uplifting her community.
Throughout the exhibition, Haasum’s artwork serves as aportal to her Lynx Clan teachings, Ojibway traditions, and the ancestral power of the jingle dress. Her daughter, Miizhigaatamook nii zho dizz nii cuz-keezhigook ga aa dizh zhin na gaaz (Birdie White), will join her at select times to assist with translations, allowing deeper engagement with Haasum's stories and insights.
Join us at The X Gallery to immerse yourself in the timeless artistry and wisdom of Haasum Bineshiiyag and discover the enduring impact of the jingle dress—a tradition rooted in healing, resilience, and unity for All Our Relations.