The Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle
The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways will premiere a new changing exhibition, “The Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle,” on Saturday, January 30, 2010. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to open the exhibition will take place at 12pm. This exhibition will run January 30 – August 7, 2010.
“The Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle” began as an effort to pay tribute to the Eastern Woodland Indian Tribes at a new cultural center in Muncie, Indiana, called Minnetrista. To honor these great people, the founders of Minnetrista which include Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle of Morton, Illinois, and several Woodland tribal leaders were assembled in an effort to communicate the culture and history of the first people of the land and their story of survival and growth. This consortium of Eastern Woodland tribes and Nations became known as the Minnetrista Council for Great Lakes Native American Studies (MCGLNAS).
Their story of survival was entrusted to artist, Evelyn J. Ritter of Glenwood, Illinois, through oil on canvas portraits depicting Woodland tribal members and leaders. According to Dr. Shinkle, the series of 40 portraits began “to tell the story of the people, the Tribes and the cultures across the country.” Through oral accounts of several descendants of tribes and nations that inhabited the Woodland area the book, “Always a People,” comprised by Rita Kohn and W. Lynwood Montell, was created as an enhancement to the collection of portraits.
“The Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle” is a collection showcasing great appreciation and support for the history, people, and stories of the Woodland Indians. The tone of this story is one of beauty, survival, and vitality. This collection preserves and promotes culture and language while providing diversity to the general public.
Turtle Talk 