Zaagaasige: The Sun Shines Through

by Jessica Day

Zaagaasige, the sun shines through, was an experiential capstone project presented to Kutenai Art Therapy Institute faculty and on campus and distance students. Using an arts-based inquiry, specifically poetic inquiry, reflective writing, and following cultural teachings, Sagaate created a jingle dress that explores her identity as a mixed ethnic person. She presented her reflections, art therapy theories that guided her practice, poems and photos, reflections, challenges, and recommendations practicing in a culturally congruent way. In conclusion a collective poem was gathered from the group and a gift of cottonwood oil was given. Themes of patience, the importance of creating a mindfulness process, challenging perfectionism, nature as a strength, and the significance of reinforcement and security to bear the weight of the jingles. Sagaate discovered that her identity was influenced by all the places she has lived and learned, and the hardships she endured helped to shape her ability to carry the responsibility of a jingle dress dancer and Indigenous art therapist. A digital copy of the presentation is attached and is followed by the collective poem.