The Maskwacis Public Library has started a beading workshop for residents of the area.
Maria Buffalo, a manager at the library who supervises the classes, says that the initiative started in late March when two such sessions had already been organized.
“Some participants who are coming for the workshop have the basic knowledge of the art,” said Buffalo.
“But not a lot of people know the techniques, so the workshop seeks to show people all the techniques from start to end.”
Since learning art is a bit complicated for youngsters, the library for now only accepts people starting from the age of 13 and up.
Attending these workshops is free of charge but there is a cap of 10 people at a time.
“I have to give them a lot of one-on-one hand teaching, and when we have a smaller group it allows that no one is overlooked,” Buffola added.
Workshop participation is free with the library providing all the materials or other supplies for the attendees at no charge.
The students who are coming to these sessions are being taught beading designs such as five-point flowers or earrings.
Beading is an important part of the indigenous community’s culture, and that’s why this workshop was initiated in the first place.
“The indigenous community in Canada has a rich material culture. That’s why to teach beading to these people, is telling them about their story,” said Buffalo.
For now, the library intends to have at least one workshop per month for the residents of Maskwacis, but Buffalo hopes to continue the sessions for as long as members are interested.
“I am really excited to collaborate with the community. We hope to have bigger class and space in the future.”