Beads

Beads also known as Aotooksiinaattsi. Colonial expansion brought new materials with the settlers. Among these items were beads. Beads were quickly recognized as being valuable and were highly sought after by Indigenous people when trade routes were established (Gray, 2017). The seed bead was introduced in the 18th century and was smaller than the pony beads, which arrived in the 16th century (as cited in Gray, 2017). The beads used to create this item were manufactured and brought over by settlers as a means of trade materials. More than decoration, beadwork is an expression of the beader's identity, spiritual beliefs, and highlights the connections to their kinship alliances. Designs can be passed down through families and have different meanings and teachings (Belcourt).