Beading for Hope

Métis flower beadwork is a highly symbolic and culturally significant art form that carries deep meaning for the Métis people. Often referred to as the “flower beadwork people,” the Métis developed a distinctive style of beadwork that blends Indigenous and European (particularly French and Scottish) influences.

Pins, earrings, and medicine bags created by Métis Board Members, reflecting their culture and the impact Tipi of Hope has had on their journeys.

Each handmade item incorporates diverse beading techniques and tells a unique story. Beaded wrap lanyards, like other forms of Indigenous beadwork, carry both practical and symbolic meaning, especially when created or worn within cultural, spiritual, or community contexts. While meanings can vary depending on the maker, nation, or purpose some commonly understood significances behind beaded wrap lanyards at Tipi of Hope are:

• Indigenous pride and visibility.
• The colors and patterns can tell a story or represent important themes such as healing, strength, unity, or love.
• Corporate partnerships: a beaded wrap lanyard/keychain transforms the ordinary into the sacred or symbolic. We work with you to incorporate colors for your organization.

Creative and movie-themed beadwork is a growing trend in Indigenous art, where traditional beading techniques are used to reinterpret pop culture, film, and iconic media characters through an Indigenous lens. This fusion reflects both cultural continuity and modern expression, and is often powerful, humorous, or subversive.

Creative, fun designs, including movie-themed and imaginative items.

Starting in 2025, Tipi of Hope sells beading kits. Designed for first-time beaders, our Métis floral designs encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants alike to learn, create, and share their stories.

Our first kit contains a Métis flower image and is sold at markets or is used as a part of our Education for Hope Program at workshops, youth programs, or cultural sharing initiatives. The kit contains a printed pattern, beads, backing fabric, needles and thread, instructions and a cultural significance card.

Pins inspired by Red Dress and Ribbon Skirt traditions.

Red dress beadwork holds deep cultural and political significance, especially within the context of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit (MMIWG2S) movement. It’s not just art—it’s activism, remembrance, and a powerful visual call for justice.

Ribbon skirt beadwork is a deeply meaningful form of cultural expression that blends artistry, identity, and tradition. Ribbon skirts themselves are sacred garments worn by many Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people—beaded earrings and pins that look like ribbon skirrs amplifies their symbolism, beauty, and personal significance.

Beadwork inspired by survivor stories is one of the most powerful forms of visual storytelling and healing in Indigenous communities. These pieces are not just art—they are testaments of survival, resilience, truth, and remembrance. Each bead holds intention, and each design can represent a journey of pain, strength, and reclamation.

Beginning in 2025, we will offer pre-beaded hearts and beading kits that share the story of Phyllis Chonkolay, a Dene Tha’ First Nation member and Survivor of Assumption (Hay Lakes) Residential School. Crafted in meaningful colours, these hearts honour her journey. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Dene Tha’ First Nation through our Shoes for Hope Program.