Mtis Manitobans learn new skills, honour ancestors through beaded poppy workshops

It may be a bit late in the year to don a poppy, but Mtis people in Manitoba are coming together to learnhow to bead thered and black flower as a way to honour veterans, especially those who are Indigenous.

Lastmonth, Winnipeg's Louis Riel Institute began hosting a monthly workshop to equip inexperienced beaders.It's free for Mtis people over 14 years of age, and includes beading supplies and a history of Mtis veterans from the Second World War.

"Having our own beaded poppy to wear shows our pride in being Indigenous because in the past there was so much racism and prejudice that people had a hard time being proud of their ... Indigenous roots," said workshop leaderNancy Gouliquer, who is from northwestern Ontario, but her family hails from the Red River Valley.

Gouliquerfeels a lot of joy passing on Mtis traditionsand watching people connect with their culture.

"I feel it's important to continue our traditions. Mtis beadwork is one way of expressing our Mtisness and that gives me pleasure to pass it on, to share it with other people," she said in an interview in December.

When she started beading 20 years ago, she recalls making herself a satchel and wearing it around after she finished.

"It's so amazing to complete a project and to be able to wear a piece of art that you've made and for people to see it. And they know that you're telling them something about yourself that's part of yourstory."

Workshop attendee Kim Karish said she was happy to practice the skill andtake part in the workshop, which was held atR. B. Russell Vocational School in Winnipeg's North End.

"I'm a big proponent of the Mtis way of life and giving back to the community. And I think that this is a great way to learn about our community, to learn about our ancestors and the people that fought for us and to honour them," Karish said.

Beyond the workshop, Ashley Lofthousehas also taken a couple of other classes through the Louis Riel Institute, which promotes educational and cultural advancement for Mtis people.

"I don't have a lot of experience with beading, I've just taken a couple classes with some moccasin making and some medicine bag making, but so far I'm actually really enjoying myself and we have some great teachers here, so it actually feels great," she said.

"I come from a family with a long line of veterans and Mtis veterans in my family, so it's actually an honour to be able to do something like this."