Students try their hands at Aboriginal Métis beading

On Jan. 26, a number of Brock University students took part in a traditional Aboriginal Métis beading workshop on campus. The workshop was sponsored by the Métis Nation of Ontario's Infinite Reach program and co-hosted by Brock's Aboriginal Student Services.

Beading is a traditional art form of the Métis peoples. One of Canada's Aboriginal peoples, their tradition continues to this day.

Barbaranne Wright, a Métis woman and local community member, volunteered her time to come to campus to teach students this craft.

All participants started a flower design project and received a full kit with all the necessary supplies to finish two designs. The finished product could be sewed onto clothing or another accessory, or framed to be used as a decoration.

During the workshop, Wright shared with participants the history and cultural importance of beadwork for the Métis people. Beading has always been an important component of traditional Métis culture, first taught to Métis girls by Christian nuns in mission schools. Métis women went on to produce beaded items for their husbands to trade with First Nations in the fur trade. Historically, the Métis were referred to as "The Flower Beadwork People" because of the popularity of their exquisite beading, and flowers are one of the most common designs. Beading is worn proudly by many Métis people and our leaders across the province and country today as a symbol of our history.

Wright also shared with the students the history of the Métis sash and the Métis flag, two traditional symbols of the Métis people. She even told the history behind the lives of her own Métis ancestors from all parts of North America.

The participants enjoyed the workshop with a full day of stories, laughter, sharing and fun.

The event was sponsored by the Métis Nation of Ontario as part of its Infinite Reach program. The Infinite Reach Student Solidarity Network is a new initiative by the Métis Nation of Ontario to help create a community of Métis learners in Ontario's post-secondary institutions. Workshops like this one aim to provide a culturally-specific event to raise awareness of the Métis people.

To learn more about the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Infinite Reach program, visit their Web site at metisnation.org.