Autumn Ellie Mitchell Purple Barrette

Indigenous beadwork is a traditional craft practiced by various Indigenous cultures around the world. It involves the intricate art of decorating clothing, accessories, and ceremonial items using beads made from materials such as glass, shells, bones, seeds, and metals.

Each Indigenous community has its own unique beadwork techniques, patterns, and motifs that reflect their cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and artistic expression. Beadwork holds significant cultural, social, and ceremonial importance within Indigenous societies, often symbolizing identity, status, and storytelling.

Indigenous beadwork not only serves as a form of artistic expression but also as a means of preserving cultural traditions, passing down knowledge through generations, and fostering community cohesion. Today, it continues to thrive as a vibrant and cherished aspect of Indigenous cultural heritage.

Ellie Mitchell (Saginaw Ojibwe; Eagle Clan) learned beading by watching her mother and through instruction at the Saginaw Chippewa Academy, where she attended kindergarten through 8^th Grade. Her serious explorations into beadwork began at age twelve, when she started working on her own powwow regalia. Since graduating college, she has explored beadwork even further, making powwow outfits and designing even more. Shortly after founding Bead & Powwow Supply, she discovered the joy of small projects, like earrings and brooches, which can be finished in short time.