Regalia and Adornment Teachings

The Cause

Host a series of workshops for Indigenous adult and youth in the Grande Prairie area who attend traditional ceremonies events such as round danced and pow-wows with ready-to-wear regalia.
1. Introductory “Ribbon Skirt Workshop” - This workshop will teach you how to make your very own Ribbon Skirt. In this workshop you will learn:
• How to select materials for making the skirt.
• How to size and cut out your pattern for the skirt.
• How to apply your ribbon on to the skirt.
• How to sew and assemble skirt from start to finish.
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to bring your ribbon skirt creations home.

2. Introductory to “Applique Beading” – This workshop will teach you how to make your very own earrings, headband and or a medallion. In this workshop you will learn:
• How to select materials and tools for any beading project.
• How to trace and draw patterns.
• How to 4-bead back stitch with one beading needle.
• How to add finding, backing and trim the earrings.
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to bring your creations home.

3. Moccasin Making Workshop – Traditional Hide – This workshop will teach you how to make your very own slipper moccasin. In this workshop you will learn:
• How to select materials for making moccasins
• How to create a footwear pattern
• How to cut and work with leather
• How to sew vamp, foot soul together
• Cutting, sewing and attaching fur
• Embellishment options and basic beading
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to bring your creations home.

4. Regalia Making “Accessories” – This workshop will teach you how to make your very own Regalia Fans or Men’s Spinners. In this workshop you will learn:
• How to select materials and tools for regalia project.
• How to trace and draw pattern to create each of the pieces for the project
• How to cut and work with feathers and spinner materials
• How to assemble the fan and spinners
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to bring your creations home.

Who Will it Benefit?

The importance of keeping traditional sewing and life skills alive is significant because it is part of our past and its part of our identity. Reconnecting our adults and teaching our youth about our traditional sewing practices and lifestyle is vital to our future. This knowledge will keep us connected to our culture.
This skill set will re-connect our Indigenous back to our culture by showing them that they can sew and recreate ready to wear regalia so they are equipped to attend Powwow, round dances and other traditional ceremonies.
In each class the student, learn the following:
• The importance of the adornment.
• Learning Basic Sewing Machine Operation
• Pattern Making
• Sewing Techniques
• Piecing and sewing the project together
Sewing helps with the following:
• Develop fine motor skills
• Improves your focus and concentration
• Teaches the importance of patience and self-control.
• Achieving tangible goals while working outside your comfort zone
• Develops confidence and self-esteem

While sewing with peers, family and elders a student will also learn valuable traditional stories about the land, animals and the creator, they learn about medicine and traditional lifestyle teachings. They learn to connect and build kinship with others around them. This door opens up all valuable teachings to all people which give many opportunities to grow spiritually and this is vital time to pass on all Indigenous traditions.