Beading Workshops
The Flower Beadwork People:
Traditional Métis Beading Workshops
Ryerson United Church in Ancaster
July 2, 16, 23 and 30
Led by Beverly (Poitras) McEwen, Red River Métis
with contributions from Métis Women's Circle Elder Dr. Carole Leclair, Red River Métis
"As she beads, she can hear the old people who beaded so long ago whispering to her, encouraging her, talking to her."" - Karen Ann Hoffman, Oneida Nation, Wisconsin
As part of our Wahkohtowin Series, the Métis Women's Circle hosted a series of 4 Traditional Métis Beading Workshops in July 2024 at Ryerson United Church in Ancaster.
See our compilation videos below.
Funding from Heritage Canada.
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
25th Anniversary
Hosting Community Conversations: Success in Intercultural Programming
25th Anniversary Celebration
During the recent shutdowns, the Métis Women's Circle created appreciation packages for all our supporters and acquaintances so very missed during this time. While we were not able to gather in person to celebrate our twenty-fifth anniversary, these little expressions of thanks let individuals know they are in our thoughts and prayers for wellness. Several of the gifts were customized with items indicating fond memories of our work together in strengthening the community.A brochure was compiled which captured a few impressions of the many imaginative events we have hosted over the years. These gifts also served to introduce our Circle's goals and aspirations to new groups we hope to work with in future.
"Our Board of Directors is proud to promote the vision our Elder Elize Hartley bequeathed to us at her passing in 2020."
Songbird Play
The Song-Bird and the Healing Waters
On June 12, 2019 the Métis Women's Circle presented a Métis Music at Hess Street School. It was performed by Grades 5 to 8 students. With appreciation for funding from Hamilton Community Foundation.Hamilton Spectator - Letter to the Editor, June 2019
"Thank you for opening my mind and heart
RE: Hess Street School
On June 12 from 2 to 3 p.m., in an overheated stuffed gymnasium at Hess Street Public School, I was swept up in a magical and rejuvenating work of art. These primary school students, led by their music teacher, Denise Montgomery - also the director and writer of this original play based on the traditional Indigenous story and book 'The Song-Bird and The Healing Waters' - wove a tale about patience, coexistence, and recovery.
The play incorporated many forms of visual art, soundscapes recorded in nature, drumming and other instrumental and vocal music, all created in collaboration with the Métis Women's Circle and Hess Street Public School students and teachers, and sponsored by the Hamilton Community Foundation. The students, many of whom have come from far away before landing in this Hamilton gymnasium, showed us that people and the world can change and grow if we are able to listen to one another and to the natural world.
More of Hamilton, Ontario and Canada need to see this and to learn the lessons this story and Hess Street Public School are teaching. This could have been a glimpse into what truth and reconciliation could look like and how we might heal some of our open wounds in Canada, Hamilton-style.
Thank you, Hess Street Public School, for opening your doors and my mind and heart."
Catharine Munn, Hamilton
Music Makers
MusicMakers - The Power of Indigenous Music
Funded by New Horizons For Seniors, this two-part event was held in the fall of 2018 and celebrated Indigenous music which is by its nature participatory; it lends itself to socialization.Songs come from the natural world and from dreams, often expressing a deep appreciation for life and sustenance.
Rhythms & Rattles: A look at Indigenous Music
This concert at The Gathering Place by the Grand (Oshweken - Six Nations in Ontario) in October featured the performers Rene Meshake, Jani Lauzon and Sadie Buck (Storyweaver). The audience was invited to a meet and greet after the concert to speak with the performers. Refreshments were served.
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