Is quillwork art?

Imagine collecting porcupine quills (ouch!), drying and sorting them and dying them using berries or roots. Then use a sharpened bone to punch holes in leather and sew the quills into gorgeous designs. Sound like a lot of work to make something pretty? Well, First Nations and Metis people have done quillwork for hundreds and hundreds of years. They decorated baskets, boots, vests, hats, leggings, shirts and more. Many talented people still do this difficult quillwork to continue their heritage and create beautiful, meaningful things.