Hands That Speak: Indigenous Craftwork as Narrative Art

Throughout my childhood, I seldom had the chance to immerse myself in my culture, often finding myself disconnected from it, both by circumstance and by choice. This disconnection left a profound void in my sense of belonging and identity. However, that chapter of my life is behind me now. Now I have the opportunity to reconnect to my culture and reclaim my identity, and I am standing at the beginning of a beautiful journey, one that allows me to reconnect with my roots and reclaim my heritage.

With an adventurous spirit, I dove into the world of crafting, creating beautiful items that serve as tangible links to my Indigenous culture, and I can pass the traditions and culture to my children. As I meticulously shaped each piece—be it a pair of earrings glistening in the light, a vibrant skirt that sways with movement, handcrafted mukluks that embrace warmth and tradition, or elaborate regalia that tells a story—I often paused to reflect on my children, biological and adoptive. A swell of pride filled my heart as I realized that these creations were not just expressions of my artistry, but lessons infused with history and culture that I could pass down to them.

This journey transcends mere crafting into teaching and healing experience. With each stitch and bead, I honour my ancestors, weaving their wisdom and traditions into the fabric of my life and my future. I believe that my children will carry forward this legacy, armed with knowledge and a sense of belonging that I once yearned for. This is not just about creating; it’s about nurturing a connection that will thrive in generations to come.

The exhibited artworks are part of my crafting and teaching of my traditions, knowledge and culture to my children:

The Whispering Turtles are a pair of beaded earrings designed specifically for my youngest daughter, Zoey. In this design, the turtle symbolizes Mother Earth and wisdom. The background is rendered in a blue hue, which effectively highlights the golden turtles. Additionally, the heart-shaped earrings represent a deep passion for Mother Earth and the wisdom associated with it.

I named these earrings Walking with Courage as a gift for my timid or shy daughter, Lainey. They represent and remind her of the courage she carries as she learns to navigate life as a young lady. Furthermore, the bear paw represents courage, and the colour green is for comfort. It symbolizes growth, hard work, healing, and Earth’s nurturing qualities.

Dance Like a Butterfly is a ribbon dress created for my daughter, Zoey. This dress features a vibrant, rainbow-like palette that reflects her traditional colours and her spirit name, Gentle Speaking Yellow Turtle Woman. The design serves as a reminder for her to move with the grace and elegance of a butterfly, emphasizing the importance of fluidity and poise in her movements.

I created and named this regalia Rainbow Sabe for my three-year-old son, Luka Moon. Luka carries the Rainbow Sabe spirit and had the honour of performing in this vibrant regalia at the Peguis First Nation Pow Wow in 2024. The Sabe, often referred to as a “Sasquatch,” is a significant symbol in Indigenous culture, representing the spirit of honesty, and it is associated with the teachings of truth, wisdom, humility and a guardian of integrity while honouring our responsibilities to ourselves, others, and the natural world.

In this performance, Luka also participated in the Grass Dance, a traditional dance with roots in Plains Indigenous cultures. Both the Sabe and the Grass Dance are interwoven teachings, emphasizing a profound respect for nature and community. They embody important values such as honesty, balance, and healing, teaching our children the significance of harmony with the natural world and the strength of cultural identity. This experience not only celebrates our heritage but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to our traditions.

Walk with Balance is a pair of deer hide mukluks crafted for my daughter, Lainey. The design features bear paw symbols, which represent courage, resilience, and strength. This theme reflects the idea of navigating through life with balance and fearlessness while acknowledging that perfection is unattainable. Instead, the focus is on the importance of learning and personal growth throughout life’s journey with determination and bravery. Each step that she takes, whether it leads to success or a setback, becomes an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow continuously throughout this lifelong journey. These mukluks are the beginning of a cherished family heirloom. Their story and meaning will be passed down to Lainey’s younger siblings to share with their future daughters or sons, to be carried forward through the generations yet to come, preserving not only the artistry but also the values, lessons, and cultural significance, ensuring our Indigenous legacy remains alive.