More About Della:
Workshops: Available through partnerships with cultural organizations and events
Social Media: Facebook Profile
Della Maguire is a distinguished Mi’kmaw Elder and master basket maker from Nova Scotia, renowned for her exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to preserving Mi’kmaw cultural traditions. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the art of basketry, Della learned the craft from her parents, Abe and Rita Smith, who were celebrated as one of the finest Mi’kmaq basket-making teams in Nova Scotia.
Della’s basketry reflects a profound connection to her heritage, utilizing traditional materials such as black ash (wisqoq) and incorporating designs inspired by Mi’kmaw symbols and petroglyphs. Her work not only showcases artistic excellence but also serves as a medium for cultural education and storytelling.
Della is a sought-after educator who shares her knowledge through workshops and cultural events. She teaches prayers, ceremonies, storytelling, treaty knowledge, and traditional skills, fostering understanding and pride in Mi’kmaw culture. As a fluent Mi’kmaw language speaker and linguist, she plays a vital role in revitalizing the Mi’kmaw language through cultural education and reconciliation initiatives.
Beyond her craftsmanship, Della is a respected cultural educator and advocate for environmental conservation. She has been actively involved in efforts to protect the black ash tree, a vital resource for Mi’kmaw basket makers, from threats like the Emerald Ash Borer.
Della’s contributions to Mi’kmaw culture and heritage have been recognized through various platforms, including participation in documentary films such as “Basket Maker” by Catherine Martin, where she shares her insights and experiences alongside other esteemed basket makers.
Her expertise extends to land-based practices such as hunting, fishing, trapping, harvesting, and traditional medicine preparation. Della’s work in these areas emphasizes sustainable practices and ecological stewardship, aligning with Mi’kmaw values of respect and reciprocity with the natural world.
Della’s contributions to her community and beyond have been recognized in numerous ways, including features in The Nova Scotia Advocate and SaltWire, and participation in conservation initiatives like the Wisqoq (ash tree) conservation project. She continues to inspire through her artistry, teaching, and efforts to protect Mi’kmaw traditions and resources.
Her dedication to her craft and her community continues to inspire new generations, ensuring the survival and adaptation of Mi’kmaw basketry in contemporary times.
“I grew up in a home of constant basket making. My parents, Abe and Rita Smith, were known as the finest Mi’kmaq basket-making team in Nova Scotia.” – Della
Prayers and Ceremony | Storytelling | Traditional Skills | Treaty Knowledge / Historian | Cultural Knowledge and Practices – Other
Mi’kmaw Language Speaker | Mi’kmaw Language Learner | Mi’kmaw Linguist | Cultural Education / Reconciliation Training / Consulting Services | Language and Education Other
Hunt | Trap | Fish | Medicine | Harvest | Guide | Land-Based Skills Workshops | Land-Based Learning and Traditional Practices – Other
Artist / Crafter | Designer | Performer | Writer | Artistic and Creative Expression – Other
Mi’kmaw Numeracy, Engineering, & Math | Traditional Ecological Knowledge | Land and Water Guardianship | Sustainable Practices & Conservation | Indigenous Science and Environmental Wisdom – Other
Sport and Culture | Traditional Games and Activities | Sports, Recreation, and Cultural Activities – Other
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