Bonnie

I experienced a lot of emotions while researching this Brief. From devastation because of the treatment of children in residential schools, to admiration of the persistence of the Indigenous People.

My quest started with the 94 Calls to Action, but I found myself drawn to the Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit art.

My grandparents worked amongst the Dene People of Great Bear Lake in the early 1970’s. While there they formed friendships with the local people. They were given beautiful beaded necklaces made for them by the Chief’s Daughter, which I have showcased in my photo, and art pieces made of wood, birch bark fur, and mosses, which I believe were made by the Chief himself.

When my grandparents were in Wabasca, my sister and I were given each a pair of Mukluks that were made by a local Cree woman. Going through all of the items my grandmother had handed down made me realize how appreciative she was of the Indigenous arts. Perhaps, this is why I too am drawn to this.

The photo I have created tells the story of how the Indigenous People used seeds, bones, wood, and clay for beads up until European Settlers introduced glass beads. With the introduction of residential Schools, Indigenous Children were forbidden to practice their own cultural arts and crafts. The children were taught embroidery on silk of which the intricate floral designs were popular.

**Floral designs originated with the Metis as they were taught this pattern by the Grey Nuns. Popularity was spread to other groups such as Cree or Ojibwe.

**https://guelpharts.ca/general/beading-our-identity-the-flower-beadwork-people/

myEdmonton Aboriginal Beading https://youtu.be/y7wkUoXJGKE

https://www.powwows.com/native-american-beadwork-a-rich-history-of-cultural-techniques/