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BEADWORK - CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Throughout the decades of colonization in North America, beadwork remained a consistent symbol of Indigenous culture. When the residential school system was implemented across Canada and the United States, beadwork was removed from students, as it was a visible sign of their culture. Any expression of Indigneous art was prohibited, as it would compromise their colonial education. Beaded jewelry was often sent to students from their families as symbols of love, and hope. However, these items were confiscated in efforts to erase Indigenous culture, and cultural ties were greatly damaged. Despite enduring tremendous hardships, Indigenous peoples continued creating, and wearing beadwork, which served as a consistent symbol of cultural resilience to settler colonists.
Proudly wearing beadwork is a way of continuing to demonstrate resilience, by showing dedication to the expression of Indigenous art and culture. Anyone can wear beadwork and appreciate the beauty, distinctiveness, and diversity of Indigenous culture.
Buying hand-crafted Indigenous earrings is an amazing way to support Indigenous artists and help repair cultural ties!
MEET THE ARTISTS
We are a mother-daughter team, and we are Mohawk from Kahnawake. Since we have always lived in the Ottawa region, away from our extended family, we’ve been searching for a way to connect with our culture and that’s when we found beading.
Ella Karahkwa ha;wi (She Carries the Moon) Patel
I’m completing my Bachelor’s of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, while learning to reconnect with my Indigenous culture, and hoping to find ways to build bridges between Indigenous populations and our healthcare systems. I owe a tremendous amount of credit for my skills in beading, and the launching of She Carries the Moon to my mother, Eva.
Eva Kathentoktak Jacobs
I’m a wife and mother of two. I’m an accountant by day and a beader in my spare time. Although I only started my beading journey in 2021, I’m completely obsessed! It was a struggle and a little frustrating at first to learn the different techniques and getting equipped with the right supplies but now I find it relaxing and therapeutic.
