KFPL hosting live online Indigenous beading workshop

The Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) will host an online beading workshop with North Bay and Mattawa Algonquin First Nation artist Hannah Turcotte later this month.

Beading is a cornerstone of Indigenous artistic and cultural tradition, from traditional regalia to contemporary art, according to a release from the library. They welcome everyone to learn more about this practice and try it for themselves at their upcoming live online workshop at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021.

Interested individuals are required to register, and space is limited to 12 participants. Turcotte will lead participants through continuing this artistic tradition by creating their own poppy piece using a beading kit that can be picked up from their library branch.

A North Bay and Mattawa Algonquin First Nation artist, Turcotte attended her first beading workshop lead by an Elder in 2017. The tradition connected her to community, teachings, and traditions, the library said. See her work on her Instagram page at instagram.com/hannahsbeads.

“Beading is appreciated for much more than being an ornate art form,” said Jake Miller, Programming and Outreach Librarian. “It’s culturally significant in the areas of legal tradition, trade, and belief systems, making beadwork a uniquely comprehensive form of cultural education. The library is fortunate to have Hannah lead this workshop for people who want to develop this skill and further their cultural awareness.”

Register online at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/5688732, or by calling your local library branch. KFPL thanks the Friends of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library for sponsoring this event