History, Art and Architecture Collection
O-6501
talking stick

O-6501
talking stick

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talking stick Photo gallery for photo 1

Specifications

Date 1989
Inscriptions
TALKING STICK GIVEN TO J. WILTON LITTLECHILD, MP BY THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS AT WINNIPEG//BATON DE HARANGUE QUE L'ASSEMBLÉE NATIONALE DES PREMIÈRES NATIONS A REMIS DU DÉPUTÉ J. WILTON LITTELCHILD À WINNIPEG
Materials wood, cedar paint, unidentified fibre, unidentified skin, leather
Personal Names J. Wilton Littlechild (House of Commons)
Dimensions (cm) 103.5 (Height)3.0 (Outside Diameter)
Functions Ceremonial artifact
Barcode 603390
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Talking Stick

In many Indigenous cultures, a talking stick serves as a reminder to the holder to speak, and for listeners to listen, respectfully. It is a worthy reminder for members of Parliament and others who may speak, or listen, during intense periods of debate inside the Commons chamber.

In 1989 the Assembly of First Nations presented this talking stick to Member of Parliament and Cree Chief Wilton “Willie” Littlechild, and requested that he present it to the government.

The stick is of heavily lacquered wood, possibly white cedar, with leather strands, painted swirls in black, yellow and red, and ribbons of red, blue and purple.

It is prominently displayed in the Speaker’s Chambers, a fitting reminder of the important role played within our Parliamentary system.