Tag Archives: Beads

Indigenous Nations

Cultural significance of First Nation’s traditional crafts

By Manavpreet Singh, Energetic City, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

FORT ST.JOHN, B.C. – Local First Nations members believe traditional art and crafts signify the strength of Indigenous cultural identity.

According to Sandra Apsassin, the Elders coordinator for Blueberry River First Nation, sewing and beaded designs are art forms that define and shape her personality.

Apsassin believes traditional crafts have an influential role in preserving Indigenous communities’ cultural history. 

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Arts, Indigenous Nations History

Beyond Beads

qathet Living, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Beading helps share knowledge, good laughs, and support for each other through hard times. That’s why beading is important to me, as both an art, and community-centred experience.”

So explains Klahoose and Tla’amin Nation member Emily White, who’s contemporary beading designs are pushing the boundaries of the traditional art form (see left). The 24-year-old Tla’amin Nation intergovernmental policy and fiscal analyst learned to bead in 2018 from the Elders in Residence at the University of Victoria – over many lunchtimes as she was completing her degree in Indigenous Studies and ethics. She especially credits Métis Elder Barb Hulme.

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