About
Nathan “Migizii-Binesi” Gordon, Red Cliff tribal member embraces his cultural roots while creating his one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
He began attending such events as a kid growing up in Red Cliff. He was inspired by what was going around him, from the dancing and ceremonial dress to the drum circles, and he wanted to know more and more.
As he learned about his Ojibwe culture, he was inspired to create his own art, celebrating Native American traditions. “I started making things and I couldn’t put it down,” he said. “So it’s like a passion. It was in high school when I made my first basket. I still have it on my shelf.”
What began as a hobby and creative outlet now has morphed into a full-time business — NWG Creation. At most events in the region, Gordon sets up his booth selling medallions, baskets, drums and other Ojibwe artifacts he made by hand — and always with a smile on his face, eager to teach customers about the meaning behind his work. It’s his way of preserving Ojibwe culture and inspiring others to do the same.
He has had a number of mentors throughout his journey. The two most influential mentors were Pat Kruse and Marvin DeFoe, both well known individuals in Indian Country as it is related to birch bark work and artistry..
When creating his pieces, Gordon does as he was shown by his mentors; many of the techniques he uses are a blend of all the styles learned from his mentors. Others mentors that have inspired Gordon that have passed on to the spirit world include, Diane Bear and Delores Bainbridge. Overall, he is grateful for the teachings passed down to him.
He creates many different things including, baskets from small tray baskets to large ricing baskets, various small and bigger round baskets with and with out lids, various medallion designs, plus birch bark hair drops various hair barrettes, brooch pins, candle holders- various sizes, pen & pencil holders, picture frames, leather pouches, drums, hand drums and sticks….plus he always looking to add more to his selection.
Each of his creations are made with different styles of flowers, animals, birds, and other designs… the list of possibilities is really endless.
“I’ve made creations that were shipped to the East Coast, the West Coast, as far North as Canada, and as far South as Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is really humbling to see my creations really all over the country, and even in different countries.”
While he enjoys making crafts with his hands, he also takes time to pass his skills on to his son, Dayton Washeleski-Gordon, as well as his nieces and nephews. “My elders passed down to me. Now I’m doing that and hopefully I can pass it down to the next generation,” he said.
nathan@nwgcreation.com
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Nathan Gordon at a Pow Wow working on a new birch basket.
Gordon’s Process for Birch Bark
When harvesting the bark, Gordon and makes sure not to damage the birch tree and other natural resources. “You go there and take that first layer off. You have to careful to just slice it, so you don’t damage the inner bark. When it’s hottest out in June or July, when you go out there and harvest it, it pops right off and starts talking to you,” he said.
Once harvested, the bark moves to his workshop and tells Gordon what it wants to be made into.
“The end product or the result of it is a unique piece,” he said. “Each piece of birch bark is different because they all have their own little marks and everything else on it. Everything that you harvest and put into the medallion or the basket, it’s all from Mother Earth.”
In addition to creating his artwork, he has started teaching classes for those interested in learning the trade. “A lot of those teachings, you aren’t going to find in a book,” Marvin DeFoe said. “When you want to know something, ask an elder to teach you. In a way, it’s like having a private professor.”
When Gordon can, he also likes to step out from behind his booth to play the drum and music of his ancestors. His efforts to preserve the culture have paid off, he said.
“It’s growing. More individuals are sparking an interest. A lot of younger kids are moving towards dancing and singing, learning the language. A lot of the older people are starting to ask more about and culture and want to be more involved,”
