Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié
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Photograph of Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié
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| Born | 1783 |
| Died | 1865 |
| Occupation | Artisan |
| Spouse(s) | Paul Picard Hondawonhont |
| Children | Francois-Xavier Picard Tahourenche |
Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié (1783-1865) was a very important Huron-Wendat craftswoman. She helped her community survive and thrive through her amazing artistic skills. In 2008, the Canadian government recognized her as a 'Person of National Historic Significance' because of her high-quality art. Her son was Francois-Xavier Picard Tahourenche.
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Life and Family of Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié
Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié was born in 1783. She grew up in a Mohawk community near the Bay of Quinte.
When she was 24, she married Paul Picard Hondawonhont. They were married in a place called Jeune-Lorette. They had several children together. However, only one of their children, Francois-Xavier Picard Tahourenche, lived past infancy.
Supporting Her Family Through Art
Marguerite supported her family with her special skills as an artisan. An artisan is someone who makes things by hand. She was especially good at needlework. This means she used needles to create beautiful designs.
She mainly made snowshoes and moccasins. Moccasins are soft shoes made from animal skin. She decorated them with porcupine quills and moosehair. Her beautiful work became very famous. People in Quebec and even Britain knew about her art.
Impact on the Huron-Wendat Community
Marguerite's great success helped the local economy grow. More and more people started making moccasins and snowshoes. By 1879, many families in Lorette were working in needlework.
They produced over 30,000 moccasins every year! The Wendake community became well-known for their handmade products. This also helped them keep their traditional art skills and knowledge alive.
Marguerite Vincent Lawinonkié passed away in 1865. She was buried in the chapel at the Jeune-Lorette Mission.
Why Marguerite Lawinonkié is Important
Many of Marguerite's best artworks are kept in museums today. For example, she made a special headdress for her son. He later became the Grand Chief of the Huron-Wendat people. This headdress is now a valuable historical item.
In 2008, the Canadian Museum of Civilization bought some items that belonged to a famous person named James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin. Among these items were snowshoes, two pairs of beaded moccasins, and two birchbark trays. These beautiful pieces are believed to have been made by Lawinonkié.
Recognized as a Historic Figure
Marguerite's old home has been saved and turned into a cultural center. This center teaches people about her life and art.
In 2008, the Canadian government officially named Lawinonkié a Person of National Historic Significance. This means she was very important to Canada's history. They recognized her for showing "the quality of the work and creativity of the artisans of Lorette." In 2022, she was also declared a historic person in Quebec.
Her life shows how important art and skill can be. She helped her community thrive and kept their traditions strong. As a quote about her says: "The woman skilled at needlework... knew how to earn a livelihood through her ingenuity. Paul, the hunter, the guide or the warrior, could leave without fear. All was well at home." This means her art provided for her family and community.
See also
- Persons of National Historic Significance
