Every week, Jori Waskahat spends more than 40 hours weaving tiny beads into big creations. From earrings to necklaces to headpieces, his designs are a tribute to his Indigenous heritage and his love for art. Waskahat is based in Tornoto, Canada, and is a member of the Treaty 6 First Nations’ band Frog Lake First Nations.
For hundreds of years, Indigenous people have used beading to decorate their clothing and make jewelry and other accessories. Early beadworkers used organic material called sinew as thread to attach beads made of shells, nuts, and seeds to their clothing.
But today, people use modern thread and a rainbow of beads, leather, crystals, and gemstones. Beaded items are often included in a person’s regalia, which are outfits worn for dancing or ceremonies.