Shawl "Thunderbird"

Trisha Pitura is a creative force, mother, entrepreneur and co-owner of Mini Tipi. She is originally from Sudbury, Ontario and she is a member of Nipissing First Nation. A couple of years ago, she started reconnecting with her culture. Now she is able to explore her identity as an Ojibwe woman through fabrics, creativity, and our business, Mini Tipi.

The Anishinaabe people believe the thunderbird to be one of the highest spiritual beings. It protects us from the serpents that live deep within the ground and ensures life for all living things. The thunderbird is part of our natural law that teaches us that all living things must be treated with respect and integrity so that we can all survive. This sacred bird comes here in the spring from the west bringing thunderstorms and rain. Then they do the same in the fall before returning west before winter. This spiritual symbol represents power, protection, strength and survival.