Beadwork for All

Disclaimer. When I write these entries and when I create content, it is meant to reflect the tribes in which I was raised; Nakoda, A’aninin, and Apsaalooke. My intentions in my creating these blogs is to show my perspective and my own personal experiences. My intentions are to represent what I know about my people in the most positive and respectful way. In a good way. I also want to apologize to my elders for when I use the Nakoda language and if I mis-speak.

Hey All! This week I want to talk about why I decided to start my business. I live in the Central Oregon area where there is a diverse collection of fashion. Among that fashion, I see a lot of Western, Boho, and geometric styles. I see a lot of people sporting many Native American inspired looks. That being said, I’m not sure how much of these designs are actually created to Native/Indigenous people.

I get the connection between Native American designs and western style but it isn’t very often that Indigenous people are credited for something so popular. Most admirers of western style/culture are going to purchase Indigenous inspired fashion anyways, my theory is “why not purchase from an Indigenous artist”. There is also a good amount of geometric designs incorporated with the “boho chic” look. After this has been brought to my attention, I decided to use my beadwork as a way to credit Indigenous people while still being inclusive.

When people have visited my booth at vending events, there is always some kind of connection. There are the people who purchase my work without a doubt in their mind that a specific piece was meant for them. There are the customers that are impressed with my beadwork but don’t think that they should wear because they are not Native American. There are also the customers who believe that they have Indigenous lineage but their families information was lost years ago. The beadwork I create is meant for all, Indigenous or Non-Indigenous.

Our roots our important to us, to people of all backgrounds. When I’m stuck or lost, looking to my roots is what seems to always provide me with the answer that I’m needing. It’s important to have a connection and that is my goal. My hopes are that when people wear my beadwork that they have a sense of belonging and know a small piece of history. I have met quite a few people who don’t have an ounce of Indigenous blood but are curators of the culture because of the connection that have felt towards it.

Beads are not meant to be intimidated by. When you see a booth or business promoting beadwork please don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re interested a specific piece, maybe it was meant for you. If you do purchase from small vendor like myself, know that the items are authentically made and your purchase helps preserve Indigenous culture.

Beadwork is for all.