Beading Classes at Sacred Heart of the First Peoples

The art of crafting traditional Indigenous clothing and jewelry has seen a steady decline due to the enduring impact of residential schools and cultural erosion.

However, there is a growing movement to reclaim and share this Traditional Knowledge, offering a path to preserve Indigenous culture. 

At Sacred Heart of the First Peoples in Edmonton, Alberta, a dedicated effort is underway to revive traditional skills through beading classes held regularly throughout the year. Participants create sewing travel bags, earrings, and hair barrels using traditional materials like reindeer hair, quilling, and caribou hide. These classes are a means of cultural revival as well as offer participants a sense of calm and inner peace through artistic expression.

Thanks to a grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), upcoming classes at Sacred Heart of the First Peoples will be supported, covering essential expenses such as teacher fees, hall rentals, and all necessary materials. This initiative is a step towards revitalizing cultural teachings and preserving Indigenous traditions, contributing to the healing journey of participants and fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.

Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples was declared Edmonton’s First Nations, Metis and Inuit parish by Archbishop Joseph MacNeil in 1991. Receiving strangers and caring for them is the theme that runs through the history of the Church from its beginnings to the present day.

Archdiocese of Edmonton