Bronze Shoes and Moccasins

Bronze Shoes and Moccasins: First Nations and Famine Irish Forced Migration tells the story of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation that generously contributed to Irish Famine Relief in Canada West (now Ontario) on 22 March 1847 even while they were being removed from their homes, without knowing where they would resettle. The film also explores the role of European settlers, including the mass influx of Famine Irish emigrants, in dispossessing Indigenous peoples from their land.

More positively, it features renowned Indigenous artist Philip Cote unveiling his painting entitled Sacred Feathers to commemorate the gift. The painting pays tribute to Chief Peter Jones (also known as Kahkewaquonaby, or Sacred Feathers) who contributed to Irish Famine relief on behalf of his people. It is rendered in the Anishinaable Woodlands Style with a subtle Irish motif.

The film also spotlights Akwesasne artist Cheyenne Lazore who created a ribbon skirt with Irish symbols to honor Ireland Lacrosse for ceding its place so that the Iroquois Nationals could play in the 2022 World Games. “It is my belief that my ancestors’ contributions through aid for the Irish Famine in 1847 inspired Team Ireland to reciprocate as an act of generosity, as an act of kindred spirits towards the Haudenosaunee people,” she said. “The ribbon skirt is worn by Indigenous people for special occasions, for ceremony, and in this case, it was a way to say thank you to Team Ireland”.

Bronze Shoes and Moccasins: First Nations and Famine Irish Forced Migration is hosted by the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, and Irish Heritage Trust in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa and the University of St Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. It is funded by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.