Culture and Language Revitalization
Indigenous Beadwork Project at Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart
The Indigenous Beadwork project is a transformative initiative that celebrates the art form of beading, holding deep cultural significance for Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Guided by a resilient Dene woman who survived residential schools, these workshops focus on healing, using traditional materials, fostering connection and reviving cultural practices.

The funds provided by the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) have helped secure necessary supplies, materials and instructional resources for the workshops.
The project has seen remarkable success in its initial stages, with workshops reaching full capacity and participants delighted with the teachings and outcomes.
Due to its popularity, a second workshop was proposed and quickly filled up as well. The project’s impact is evident in the positive feedback received from participants, who not only learned a new skill but also experienced healing and a profound connection to their cultural heritage.
The Indigenous Beadwork project creates a safe and nurturing space for individuals to heal and reclaim their cultural identity. By embracing traditional practices and honoring past generations, the initiative offers a pathway to preserve and revitalize Indigenous culture, instilling a sense of pride, resilience and connection to ancestral traditions. Through its emphasis on healing, cultural revitalization and community building, the project contributes to the overall well-being and empowerment of Indigenous individuals and communities.
More information about Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples
Sacred Heart Church has a rich history dating back to 1913, serving waves of immigrants and becoming a home for many Indigenous people in Edmonton. Designated as a national Indigenous and Métis parish in 1991, the church has grown in its capacity to support the faith and community of Indigenous people.
Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton
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