One of this region’s most respected and beloved artists, Arlene (Dozay) Christmas, is being remembered as an artist deeply involved in her community.
“I’m still in shock,” said Jeff Ward, general manager of Membertou Heritage Park. “I think the whole community is in shock. She was truly an icon for us and one of my favourite people.
“We’ve lost one of the greatest artists of Wabanaki.”
She was a representative of that community which includes Maliseets, Mi’kmaq, Penobscot and Passamaquoddy. Born a Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) in New Brunswick, she married into the Mi’kmaq from Unama’ki (Cape Breton) when she wed her husband, Senator Dan Christmas, 37 years ago.
Best known as Dozay, she died Nov. 21, working pretty much up to the end. A mural in the Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre of community sports heroes through the years was expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to centre general manager Paul Carroll, who said Dozay had begun the final section of work about two weeks ago.
It was one of her countless community-based projects and, as you look up, you can see a trail of feathers painted high on the walls of the sports centre, waiting for the final figures to be added. It’s not known at this time when or whether the mural will be finished.
Ward describes Dozay as a community-minded person. In addition to helping others and mentoring young artists, her work can be found throughout Unama’ki.
“You can go into any building here — her work is throughout,” says Ward, adding that while her work hangs in galleries and collections across Canada and the world, it can also be found in many homes locally.
“You can feel her spirit here.”
In addition to her public works, murals and paintings, she has also illustrated several books.
“She will be greatly missed by the community,” said Owen Fitzgerald, recently retired as executive director of the Mi’kmaq Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia. “She was just a phenomenal person. It’s a great loss to the community.”
Dozay is survived by her husband, children Peter, Lacey and Gail, two grandchildren, one brother, four sisters and numerous nieces and nephews including a nephew, Jean Michael Jacobson, who joined her on artistic projects including the mural at the Membertou Sports and Wellness Centre. She was predeceased by her parents and three brothers.
The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, in Sydney. The salite and meal will follow after the funeral at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. Burial will be held at another date. Online condolences can be made to family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
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