Artist Statement
Beadwork is valued by community for the story and spirit it embodies. This composition’s narrative is rooted in the childhood memory of listening in on adult conversations around my Aunty’s kitchen table. Forgetting that I was there, they would speak in low tones about old familial stories, or about those who had passed on to the spirit world, and more often than not the discussion would eventually come to the subject of stolen land.
Many years later I have felt the pull to express this memory through bead & quillwork as a personal act of cultural reclamation and resilience.
I understand beadwork to be ceremony, sacred and medicine, and that the knowledge to do this important work is a privilege. I am grateful to our ancestors who possessed the courage to preserve and transfer cultural knowledge despite an ongoing peril of mortal danger from their colonial oppressors.
As others before me, I have an appreciation for the responsibility that comes with holding this knowledge and have done my best to transfer what I know to many other young community members. Today there is joy connected to this transmission of skills. Beading circles are a place where community member gather to learn, teach and connect - not only through beadwork but also though the sharing of news, stories, laughter, tears, materials and food. These get-togethers are vital microcosms where cultural practices can support community well-being and can occur anywhere - in friendship or community centres, schools, online, and at your own kitchen table.