Blackfoot beadwork program connects with local history and culture
A program for adults and seniors at the Galt Museum on March 1 provided a history lesson and some handson learning. The session on Blackfoot beading by Kalli Eagle Speaker taught participants about the art of Blackfoot beading and gave them the chance to recreate their own using paint dots. The session was part of the Galt’s Creative Community program which provides activities with a connection to local history and culture. Eagle Speaker was heavily involved with two exhibits showing at the Galt which were connected to Tuesday’s program. They include a beadwork exhibit called Iiksisawaato’p Kainaiwa O’tookátákssin: Maana’pii ki niita’piitsitapii saatstakssin (We Visit with Kainaiwa Beadwork: A New Way and the Real Way of Design) which she organized with Hali Heavy Shield and Carol Williams. Eagle Speaker also sat on a jury for Breathe, a touring exhibit of traditionally crafted masks. Jae Redgrave, community program co-ordinator at the Galt, said Creative Community is aimed at offering a “hands-on history experience. So we have a short history lesson and then we do a hands-on activity.” Eagle Speaker gave participants a ‘background and talked about her personal connection to beadwork as well as her family history and some of the designs and patterns commonly used,’ said Redgrave.