Awareness Pin Beginner Beading Workshop with Janet Dugan

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

This beginner beading workshop will start with us going through the tools you will need to start a beading project (bead kit). From there we will learn how to bead around a cabochon using the "one needle flat stitch" method of beading. When we have beaded around the cabochon three times, a backing with a pin will be added. This will need a short drying time after which edging can be added to complete the awareness pin.

Participants will have the option of selecting a beading kit featuring a variety of themes (e.g., Orange Shirt Day, Red Dress Day, etc.).

The workshop is a full day event. A light lunch will be provided.

*All community members are welcome but registration is required and space is limited.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

My English name is Janet Dugan, I am of mixed heritage. My Spirit name in Ojibwe is Onsek Keeshigo, meaning Changing Day/Sky.

I am a proud member of Munsee Delaware FN (Leni Lanape) Wolf Clan. My maternal Grandmother was a member of Alderville FN, and her maternal Grandmother was a member of Akwesasne FN, Turtle Clan.

The fallout from the residential school experience for Indigenous people has affected my family tremendously. My Great Grandmothers were best friends during their time at residential school. My Grandmother attended day school in Alderville FN, and my Mother was detained in the Mohawk Institute when she was 7 years old. (I knew it as the Mushole).

I am a retired Child and Youth Worker. I have been beading with children for more than 30 years. The last few years of my career at Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB was spent working with Indigenous children and their families as the Indigenous Student Advisor.

I began my journey with seed beads in 2018 when I founded the "Red Dress Pin Project." I have made close to 300 red dress pins with all proceeds going to organizations who support Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit who are at risk of becoming murdered or missing. I have raised over $3,000 to date.

Beading is an important part of my healing journey. Beading is medicine.