GRSJ Grad Student Christina Lennox presented at the Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference in Kelowna, BC (Syilx Territory) earlier this month.
The three-day Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference is a multidisciplinary event dedicated to fostering collaborations and knowledge sharing that prioritize the wellbeing of Indigenous Communities.
Lennox’s presentation was titled Beading as Part of the Research Ceremony.
Beaded thesis from Miyo-atoskâta. Made with Indigenous harvested, brain tanned, and smoked moose hide, gifted vintage glass beads, contemporary Czech and Japanese beads, wool, synthetic thread, and beeswax.
Abstract
Honouring traditional Métis knowledge systems within contemporary research is one method of envisioning the future of Indigenous-led research. Through Beadworking, Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island offer the academic space their own research ceremony. Beadworking, Métis ways of knowing, and reflexive thematic analysis were used to interpret, understand, and disseminate the stories of participants in the study Miyo-atoskâta: Weaving Métis Wisdom into Higher Education. A flat stitch flower bud pin was designed and beaded to interpret, understand and disseminate participant stories. The flower bud itself represents the potential of higher education spaces surrounded by foliage representing the themes of fostering a sense of identity and reconciliation. Materials to create this beadwork include Indigenous harvested and processed smoked moose hide, gifted vintage glass beads, contemporary Czech and Japanese beads, wool, synthetic thread, and beeswax.
About the Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference
The Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference is a multidisciplinary event dedicated to fostering collaborations and knowledge sharing that prioritize the wellbeing of Indigenous Communities. Hosted by the Urban Indigenous Wellbeing Collective, this three-day event brings together Elders, researchers, trainees, practitioners, community members and partners, and artists to address community-identified research priorities and develop cross-university and community networks. Featuring keynote speakers, interactive roundtables, panel discussions, artistic presentations, performances, this gathering aims to create a space for learning and exchange on topics related to the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health of community members across generations.
