The workshop will be followed by these events; Ending the Myth of the Big Bad Wolf - a performance by the Tree House Players, The Wolf Howl where mask makers and wearers, in packs, will engage in a wolf howling chorus followed by native drumming, performance and speakers, Wolf Mask Displays at venues throughout Toronto, and a Wolf Mask Auction.

NOTE:

All proceeds from the auction will be directed toward wolf conservation efforts in Ontario. Wolf mask artists who contribute their masks to the fundraising auction will receive recognition for their creation.

Join the Wolf Howl Project and create a wolf mask as an individual, family or group! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Each mask requires two to three workshop sessions. All workshops are free.

Three types of masks will be created; large three-foot masks, wearable masks and stone wolf puppets.

Post Wolf Howl Event of Nov 1

Please note – After reviewing the project budget, it was determined that instead of a wolf mask auction at the end of November as originally planned, the Wolf Howl Project will keep the masks in the public eye for a longer period of time and focus on public education through displays of masks at various locations across Toronto. The displays will be from November through to February. As well as showcasing the artistic value of these masks, these displays include a poster detailing the Wolf Howl Project thus providing on-going cultural and environmental education to the public. Please check event listing for locations, dates and times of displays.

The Wolf Howl Project culminated on November 1, 2003 at The Distillery. We started with over 50 wolf masks displayed in a large circle on the ground and on tables were the stone wolf puppets. Three tables were busy with the public making simple wearable wolf masks. There was an excellent pack of volunteers who assisted in making the event run smoothly. The Wolf Mask Hunt in the Artscape artists’ studios ran from noon to 3:00 pm.

In preparation for the Wolf Howl, Derrick Bressette and his Tall Pines Drum Group and dancers, Wade Smoke and Kevin Myran, started the drumming at 4:00 pm. gathering an enthusiastic crowd of people. Derrick Bressette told the native creation story of Wolf and first man and the significance of this project as well as other wolf stories, after which the dancers performed the grass dance and other dances. Pamela spoke about the evolution of the Wolf Howl project and why community arts, environment and cultural events are so important. As the wolves howl is the glue that keeps the pack together, us gathering together to create, celebrate, and communicate is what keeps us people together.

The mask makers were then invited to pick up one of the wolf masks from the circle, find a partner and join in the spiral dance led by Kevin Myran and Pamela Schuller, holding their wolves up high, and howling to the beat of the native drumming. (unfortunately the Halliburton Wolf Centre, wolf howl leader had to cancel due to a family emergency) Later mask makers were invited to come up and speak about what the design of their wolf mask meant.

The Tall Pine drummers brought the event to a close with the singing of the Honour Song. It was a truly inspiring and unique event. Thank you and howls of appreciation to all who were involved in The Wolf Howl Project. It was such a success.

The Story of the Wolf

Many years ago in the beginning, Waynaboozhoo was given the responsibility to name everything in the world. This included all the plants, animals, mountains, lakes - everything, all life. This was a huge task. Waynaboozhoo asked if he could have a companion to accompany him on his journey. The creator gave him Ma’iiangun, the Wolf to walk beside him. As the days went by, Ma’iiangun and Waynaboozhoo grew very close to each other. They ate together, played together and participated in all ceremonies together. After their duties were completed, the Creator told them that they would now have to part ways. From that day on, for Waynaboozhoo and Ma’iiangun, their journeys were separated. But what one went through the other would experience. We see that today. Both have had their lives threatened, hunted for their fur; and through history, both have been tested, brought to the brink of extinction. In 2003, Ma’iiangun, the wolf and the native people of North America have made a very strong comeback.