Lambton Heritage Museum has launched a ‘Name The Bear’ contest after recent sightings of a large black bear in Lambton County. The contest is on social media and so far has generated very symbolic name suggestions.
Dana Thorne, Curator/Supervisor at Lambton Heritage Museum said that the bear came to the area during an emotionally difficult time, with the unmarked graves from former residential schools have been uncovered. Thorne said that “Some of the contest participants have reflected that the mukwa is a spirit bear that has come to our area to promote healing and give people strength.” Some of the names coming forward are meaningful, creative or come from the Anishinabemowin language.
The museum is also working on a new exhibition this summer called Nigiiwemin/We Are Going Home, to explore the relationship between colonialism and the loss of land by the Chippewas of Kettle & Stony Point First Nation.
The contest for the name of the black bear comes with prizes like a guided tour of the new exhibit from the co-curators. The contest closes on July 16th, and the winner will be chosen by a jury and announced on July 23rd. All entries can be made under the Lambton Heritage Museum’s Facebook page post or by email.
