Indigenous learners find community and healing through beadwork

Beads in a wide spectrum of colours, thread and needles are just a handful of materials you’d need to get started with beadwork. It’s an artform that’s been around for thousands of years and continues to hold strong cultural significance in Indigenous communities.

Through Sheridan’s Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support (CILS), Indigenous learners were recently invited to learn the skills of First Nation beading during a workshop led by beading artist, Katie Chapman. Participants were guided on how to lay and secure their beads in place, while integrating materials such as a deer antler, Czech beads and leather.

For years, First Nation beading has been used as a form of storytelling. The art created from the beads represents a visual language used to share historical events, personal experiences and more. But it also has a healing element to it.

People who do beadwork often find it therapeutic. It provides them with a creative outlet to express themselves, allowing them to share personal stories. It can also help bring them a strong sense of community and belonging, whether it’s through workshops such as those hosted by CILS or by connecting with their loved ones.

“This is my second time beading, and I find it really relaxing,” shared first-year Bachelor of Animation student Matthew Ketash-Wesley. “Back in Thunder Bay, I never had opportunities to do [beadwork], especially in school. It’s great that the [Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support] was able to [offer this experience] for students.”

Art Fundamentals student, Kaneráhtaien Doxtador-Swamp added that the act of beading puts her mind at ease during stressful times in her studies. “It’s nice to just sit and talk and be able to go to cultural workshops like this. And I hope we can do more like this in the future.”

Throughout the semester, CILS endeavors to offer intimate and community-focused experiences for Sheridan’s Indigenous learners. The Centre invites students to recreational events such as bike rides and movie nights, and hosts monthly Soup Days and cultural workshops. A basket-making workshop hosted in February, for example, gave participants hands-on experience in creating traditional Haudenosaunee baskets.

“Many of [the Centre’s] events are based on Indigenous learner feedback and derive from current interests in areas of exploration,” explained Liana Canzian, Indigenous Student Advisor at CILS. “Our hope is for Indigenous learners to gain a sense of belonging within their learning environment.”

Are you an Indigenous learner? Find out about the resources and supports available to you through the Centre for Indigenous Learning and Support.