The Curve Lake Indian Reserve is part of the beautiful Kawarthas region.
The Reserve has a very rich history from generations of the Whetung family. Over the years, the Whetungs have conducted steamboat cruises on the lakes around their peninsula, traded in furs, guided fishermen, catered banquets and operated a grocery store, postal station and taxi service. The Whetung Ojibwa Center evolved from a fishing lodge opened in the early 1900’s.
When unemployment was very high on the Reserve in the early 1960s, the Whetungs encouraged their fellow band members to produce crafts. Eleanor Whetung, her five children, and women from the reserve and their children were the core of the cottage industry in the Whetung living room that gradually extended to hundreds of band members.
They made canoes, pipes, birch bark and sweet-grass baskets, feather headdresses, dolls and moccasins. With the assistance of a loan, the first craft shop was built and opened in 1966 in the same location where Clifford Whetung’s great-grandfather had his grocery store, only a stone’s throw from the small, wooden cottage where Clifford was born. Business flourished and three years later an old barn was renovated to handle the expansion of craft production and storage.
Today the main building displays handcrafts from all parts of Canada, as well as those still produced within the community. The area downstairs offers a selection of arctic parkas, Cowichan sweaters, leather garments, souvenir apparel, gloves and various bead accessories. Adjacent to that is the museum. It features the Whetungs’ private collection, the work of artists and craftspeople from the Curve Lake Reserve and outstanding native craft work from across Canada.
Two special events to plan on attending:
Sept 17 & 18, 2016 – Curve Lake Pow Wow
The Pow Wow is a two-day celebration of song, dance, stories and food! Pow Wow time is the Native American people’s way of coming together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones.
The Curve Lake Pow Wow is just down the road from Whetung Gallery. It is an annual event that draws visitors from across North America. Don’t miss this one!
Oct 8 & 9, 2016– Thanksgiving Art Show 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the whole family to meet the artists and see them in action at this interesting event suitable for the whole family. Plan a day trip and enjoy the beautiful fall colours on your way to the Whetung Gallery.
The Centre is open every day and admission is free. If you are travelling from Peterborough, take Water Street North to Buckhorn Road to Curve Lake Road.
Travelling by boat? From Buckhorn Lake, dock on Coppaway Point, only a few minutes’ walk from the Gallery.
Phone 9am -5pm, EST 705-657-3661
Email: info@whetung.com
Bethany Ontario 