Building Community, Crafting Success

Students, staff and faculty flooded Bistro Café on November 21, eager to browse the third annual Indigenous Winter Market—a one-day event with the goal of showcasing the incredible talent, creativity and culture of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students at UM.

Created by Vanessa Lillie, Director of Cultural Integration at the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous), the Winter Market was first launched in 2021 to provide a platform for Indigenous students to showcase their skills, celebrate their heritage and share their work while connecting with the wider UM community.

“When I first started in this role, I was frequently asked by faculty and staff who the student artisans were. They were looking for painters, beaders, leather workers and other creatives to work on projects in their departments,” says Lillie. “I created the market to give students a platform to showcase their skills and talents, allowing the broader UM community to meet them and experience another side of the students that goes beyond academics.”

Since its launch, the market continues to grow and this year was no exception. Featuring 15 student-vendors offering curated collections of beaded jewelry and accessories, hand-stitched leather goods, one-of-a-kind art pieces, clothing and more, there was something special for everyone who came by to shop.

Student by day, market vendor by… later that same day

Among the many talented creators at the market were Chloé and Mariah, who were both participating in a market for the first time.

Student-vendor Chloé with samples of her beaded earrings.

Chloé is of mixed Saulteaux and settler ancestry and is working towards an Advanced BA in Indigenous Studies. Learning to bead just one year prior, this was Chloé’s first time sharing their work at a public market.

“This was the first market I had ever done, so it was also a very low-pressure way to get my feet wet and help me build my confidence with doing other markets,” says Chloé.

Mariah is a Red River Métis student in the Faculty of Science and has been practicing beadwork since 2022.

 “I have been able to meet and connect with so many students, faculty and staff from all across campus, and being able to share my beadwork with them is such a privilege,” says Mariah.

Hosted in UMSU Centre the market doubled in attendance from 2023, being visited by almost 600 students, staff and faculty throughout the newly established extended hours of 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For student-vendor Jamie, an urban Indigenous woman whose family comes from Kinistin Saulteaux Nation located on treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan, this was an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships with her peers. The market also gave her a chance to build new connections while sharing the unique gifts her shop, 15 Feathers, has to offer. Joined by her daughter, Jamie found the experience especially meaningful.

“This market was an incredible opportunity for her [daughter] to meet new people and be inspired by other Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs.”

More than a market—it’s medicine

The excitement and vibrance bursting from the market were undeniable. Each student-vendor had their own curated display table showcasing their talent and catching the eyes of shoppers. Although their creations are uniquely their own, there was a common theme among the artists—connection to culture and traditions.

Jamie (left) showing artwork sold in her shop, 15 Feathers.

“Our Indigenous heritage influences everything we do in our business. Built on the concepts of collaboration and community, 15 Feathers is really about using our unique gifts to support and benefit each other,” Jamie shares.

When asked what inspires their creations, a common theme was clear, inspiration is sparked by connections to culture, family and spirit.

“I think the main one is just beading as medicine. It’s really grounding as a practice for me spiritually, and helps my life feel balanced and calm

when other aspects of it feel overwhelming,” shares Chloé.

Student-vendor Mariah pictured with her collection of beadwork displayed at the Third Annual Indigenous Winter Market. Photo credit: Mike Latchislaw, University of Manitoba.

For Mariah, design elements are inspired by her grandmother’s pieces of beadwork and practices the traditional two-needle technique when creating flat-stitch beadwork.

“I find it important to try to practice techniques that were used historically as a way to connect myself to those who came and beaded before me,” she shares.

And, even if you don’t want to create for the purpose of selling, Jamie says, “Creating art is such a good medicine for your heart, regardless of whether or not you decide to do anything with it afterwards.”

Follow along!

With successful appearances at the Third Annual Indigenous Winter Market, these three student-makers have growing plans and aspirations for each of their small businesses.

With a growing following and increasing confidence, Chloé sees themselves exploring expanding their work to include ribbon skirts, tote bags, minerals, crystals and more, with the goal of expanding the variety they can bring to markets and offer online.

Chloé hopes to have a website and offer shipping options as they expand. For now, you can find their vibrant beadwork on Instagram @solstice.beading.

Mariah will continue learning from historical pieces and referencing traditionally inspired floral patterns to create her own unique pieces. One day, Mariah hopes to take on larger projects creating bags, pouches, gloves and moccasins adorned with beadwork.

To find Mariah’s traditionally inspired beaded bolo-ties, earrings and more, check out her Instagram @mariah.anne.art.

As Jamie explores expanding the variety of products and designs offered by her family shop, she also has even bigger goals to one day found a national corporation that contributes to community economic development by ensuring tools and supplies are more accessible to emerging entrepreneurs, making it easier and more affordable for other small business crafters to create.

You can browse their products at www.15Feathers.ca or purchase in-person at the North Forge Makers Market at 312 William Avenue, open Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Check out some of the other students who were at this year’s Indigenous Winter Market:

• @marcel.makes on Instagram creates leather goods while using traditional leather crafting techniques!
• @beadedcreationsbydarian on Instagram makes beautifully beaded earrings!
• Annabelle Throassie on Facebook creates her own cabbed beaded earrings, medallions, bracelets, necklaces, rosary’s and more!
• @BeadedRavenDesign on Etsy makes dangle earrings from Miyuki delica beads!

Here are a few more photos from the market:

Jessica Tapatai