Maple Creek’s beadwork people
Posted on March 24, 2022 by Maple Creek
Dazzling design: Lillyanna Dumont, 10, impressed everyone with her beading. Tekeyla Friday begins hammering a punching tool, creating indentations in a piece of leather.
It is part of a demonstration in beading techniques and leather pouch-making.
For Tekeyla it is also an important way of reconnecting with her Métis culture and traditions, and keeping alive skills passed on through generations. Saturday saw the second of her two-hour Métis beading workshops at the Senior Citizens’ Centre.
A week earlier, participants were shown how to bead their own pouch pieces. Today they were learning to sew them together, while listening to traditional Métis fiddle music and sharing stories.
The workshop was part of Maple Creek Métis Month of March, giving people a chance to explore Métis techniques and culture with Chinook Regional Library and Maple Creek Métis Local #12, Western Region III.
Beadwork is central to Metis culture, containing the stories and histories of their people.
It is because of the abundance of flower designs in their beadwork and embroidery that Metis are called “Flower Beadwork People”.
On Saturday, March 26, another Metis tradition will be showcased – jigging.
Creeland Dance instructors will be there to put participants through their paces. The session will be held again at The Senior Citizens’ Centre at 103 Cypress Street, 3pm to 5pm. All ages can participate.
To register call 306-662-3522 or email: maplecreek@chinook.lib.sk.ca, http://www.chinooklibrary.ca.
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