Matriarchal Beads

Indigenous women throughout North America have largely been affected by the impacts of colonization which has limited and reduced the function of their matriarchal roles within their communities and in turn they have adapted and evolved to gain a stronger sense of culture and identity through their traditional artistic practices of beadwork. Beading, weaving and sewing are Indigenous cultural traditions that have been practiced by many nations across the continent since time immemorial, which ultimately carry significant Indigenous knowledges and belief systems. Colonial effects have changed and adapted Indigenous women’s matriarchal roles and sequentially, the transmission of knowledge based systems, culture and identity through the practicing of beadwork from contact into present day. Indigenous matriarchs have utilized the reclamation and resurgence of the traditional practice of beadwork as a form of resistance and decolonization throughout North America. This article looks to explore, understand and interpret these issues guided and positioned through a First Nation Ininiw Iskwew (Swampy Cree Woman) lens, as the author is a proud matriarch originating from the community of Norway House Cree Nation. Image caption: Author and friends beading. © Calvin Cyr, 2026.