The Shurniak Art Gallery in Assiniboia unveiled an exhibit of beadwork items crafted by Lizzie Ogle from Wood Mountain on August 5. The collection of beaded art was donated to the gallery by Pat Borgerson, who is originally from Rockglen but who now lives in Victoria.
Borgerson was unable to attend the presentation and was represented by her daughter Judy Borgerson. The gallery event was well-attended with many Ogle and Borgerson family members in attendance. Bill Shurniak gave an introduction about the artist and the collection before the unveiling.
Judy Borgerson read a letter from her mother which recounted her meeting and friendship with Ogle. During this first meeting, Borgerson recalls walking into the Ogle home and experiencing their hospitality and kindness. Ogle showed her beadwork. After that, the friendship grew and Ogle made a gift of beadwork for her new friend鈥檚 birthday every year. For Borgerson, this was a treasured gift every year and will remain so forever.
Toniya Wakanwin, or Elizabeth Ogle, who was better known as 鈥淟izzie鈥� was born in Wood Mountain in 1895. She had descended from Sitting Bull鈥檚 family who settled near Wood Mountain after they had to leave the U.S. Bill Shurniak described Ogle as 鈥渁 legend of the south country鈥� whose life story reflects the growth and development of this region of Saskatchewan. Ogle was well known all over the south of the province as a storyteller and as a beadwork artist. She was proud of her heritage and actively began making traditional beadwork.
Using a porcupine quill needle and tiny multicoloured beads, she designed and made beaded hair clips, necklaces, earrings, leather coats with beadwork, as well as adorned papoose bags, peace pipe bags, jackets, boots, moccasins and other items with intricate beading. Ogle鈥檚 works have been sold throughout Canada.
She even gifted a beaded bag to Queen Elizabeth during one of her visits to Regina. Ogle was honoured to be invited to a dinner given by then Lt. Governor Dr. Stephen Worobetz for the Queen and Prince Phillip. After her husband Jim passed on in 1978, Ogle became a resident of Pioneer Lodge in Assiniboia where she continued her beadwork.
Ogle has been described as a loving, caring person who has 鈥渢he biggest heart in the south country.鈥� At the presentation, her granddaughters recalled that Ogle was always very generous and continuously giving things to people. While Ogle represented much of the history of the region, she also made a little history as well. Ogle had attended 86 consecutive Stampede Rodeos in Wood Mountain.
