"Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds" is a circle of kinship, connection, and learning where youth can collaborate on a gallery installation that shows love for the land, this place, and our brilliant, beautiful, Indigenous selves. This program features regularly occurring beading circles, led by local Indigenous Artists and Knowledge Keepers, who will assist in sharing legends and histories of Katarokwi-Kingston. "Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds" endeavours to inform participants of the pre-colonial histories and stories of this land, create artworks using traditional techniques, and foster relationships between participants from all backgrounds of Indigeneity.

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Program Accessibility:
This program is free and includes all necessary materials. Prior experience with beading is not required. Participants will be utilizing small materials (i.e. 11/0 seed beads and size 10/0 beading needles).  Each session will include complimentary refreshments. Funding is available to subsidize transportation costs. 
 

Beading Instructors

Liv Rondeau

Taylor Tye

Please Note: Niki Boytchuk-Hale will be present at the Beading Circles to conduct an inquiry aimed at understanding how the "Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds" is nurturing cultural connections, kinship, and learning among Indigenous youth. This inquiry seeks to enhance programming and ensure sustainability.​ Participants will always have the option to decide how, when, and if they wish to contribute to this inquiry. Before the conclusion of the "Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds," they will also have the opportunity to review all collected data and ensure they are comfortable with its potential sharing. Any information gathered will be shared solely with community partners and prospective funders.

"Mashkawizii Miinikaanan: Strong Seeds" was created in partnership with Kingston Native Centre and Languages Nest, Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre, Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre, and Kingston School of Art. This project is funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area.