On Monday, Apr. 6, students attended a Native American beading seminar hosted by Queers and Allies in Jamrich. This seminar was taught by Peter Michael Shelafoe, also known by his Ojibwe name, Thunder Bird. As an Ojibwe and a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Baraga, Shelafoe wanted to share the history of beadwork and teach the craft.
“I think the more that we know about each other’s culture, the more we can get along, right? Because a lot of people are kind of afraid of something they don’t know,” Shelafoe said.
Shelafoe first introduced the history of beadwork and the different types of materials that were, and are still used today.
“So the history of beadwork goes back quite a ways. Early on, a lot of it was seeds, nuts, berries, cedar berries and porcupine quills… they used natural dyes, roots, berries, things like that, to dye the porcupine quills,” Shelafoe said. “After European contact, glass beads became widely used. Then plastic beads, where you can see a lot of intricate patterns.”
Shelafoe then explained the cultural importance of beadwork, including the meanings behind its colors and designs in traditional regalia, helping listeners understand how these elements preserve tradition and communicate cultural values.
“It’s called regalia, not a costume because we’re not putting it on to pretend that we’re something else,” Shelafoe said.
As Shelafoe taught students how to do beadwork, he shared personal anecdotes about his life and how he came to learn and love the craft. For those interested in learning more about beading, a community center behind the casino in Harvey hosts a social beading event.
“Right now, on Tuesday nights, starting at five, there’s a social beading, and it’s out at the community center in Harvey, right behind the casino. I go there every Tuesday night, and we have a lot of good food, and everybody chats. A lot of people bring their own projects. They do have some projects, like kits that you can do too,” Shelafoe said.
Students also have an opportunity to further engage with the community through an upcoming powwow, which offers a chance to learn more about and experience Native American culture firsthand.
“Powwows, anybody can attend. In fact, we have one coming up on the 25th of April, out at the casino here in Marquette. I’m on the follow-up committee, and it’s free.”
As the event wrapped up, students left feeling fulfilled, having learned a new craft and gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance behind it.
