The Red Dress Day - Pin Making Workshop held on May 3 was facilitated by Certified Recovery Trauma Counsellor and renowned Regalia designer, Teresa Snow. Assisting the workshop was Stacie Duchene, beadwork historian.

Participants spent the afternoon making Red Dress Day pins from a variety of templates and bead choices provided by Teresa. Stacie and Teresa told the group many stories related to the history of beadwork, including where beads first originated and were traded and how the art developed over time depending on what materials were available. They spoke about different game animals and how their hides and sinew were collected and used for clothing and sewing. They told how different bead patterns and colour combinations get passed down through the generations. On display were traditional materials including shells, stone, seeds, porcupine quills, animal teeth and a variety of glass and Chevron beads. Teresa emphasized that learning the history is integral to learning beadwork crafting techniques.

Elder Cynthia Hunter spoke about the history of the MMIWG movement in Alberta and the recently released report 113 Pathways to Justice: Recommendations of the Alberta Joint Working Group of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. As the workshop was held in commemoration of Red Dress Day, the tragic stories of missing and murdered women, and calls to action, were discussed among the group. Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls explains in-depth the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, and how the issue is systemic and ongoing. The report has 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.

Despite the serious nature of this content, the workshop itself was joyful and inspiring with all of the women making beautiful Red Dress Pins. Some were first-time beaders and others were seasoned pros. Friendships were formed while practicing this traditional art form. Lunch was served by volunteer Marilyn Agnew who prepared a delicious spread of sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, sweets and refreshments.

Below is some of the feedback from the participants:

Did you enjoy this workshop? What did you like about it?

“I enjoyed the hospitality and the stories that were shared, most of all I enjoyed the environment just sitting and beading.”

“Loved this workshop. I liked sitting with the ladies and listening to

stories/traditions with the Elder.”

“I enjoyed learning to bead. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn.
I also loved learning the history.”

“Enjoyed the stories and history”

The Red Dress Day - Pin Making Workshop was possible with the generous support of the United Church of Canada Embracing the Spirit grant.

Below are some pictures from the event:

Co-facilitator Stacie Duchene, workshop participants, workshop participants, Facilitator Teresa Snow with Elder Cynthia Hunter, Shauna Kennedy with workshop participant, Beadwork display, Red Dress Day beaded pin.

Respectfully submitted by Shauna Kennedy, Right Relations Lead

To learn more about the Right Relations work happening at McDougall, please visit the Right Relations Webpage.