Short description of your art.

The James Bay Cree hunters originally used a lifesize tamarack bird as decoys for their annual spring and fall hunt. It is made from the larch (tamarack) tree by twigs from the center core and wrapped with different size twigs which are shaped as a Canada Goose. This leaves a fresh aroma from the fragrance of the tree. It was first created by Mr. John Blueboy, who is a Cree from Moose Factory, Ontario. Today it is an aesthetically pleasing piece of art with a rich background of the Cree hunters.

Where did you learn your art?

Charlie Small is a First Nations Cree from the James Bay region. The tamarack bird tradition was taught by his father Oliver. Since the early eighties, Charlie has been making the tamarack bird.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

To carry on Cree culture and heritage.

Have you received any formal training?

No

What other art forms do you practice?

N/A

Have you ever received any awards or special recognition?

I got positive feedback from customers for the quality of my tamarack birds.

Do you sell your work? If so, how?

Serpent River Trading Post French River Trading Post Sweetgrass Gallery, Toronto ON Manitobah Mukluks

Has your art work ever been mentioned in any media?

No

Please provide any information on your buyers.

Non-for-profit organizations, private businesses, teachers, families, etc. My buyers are mostly Indigenous.