Beading our way into history: 7 powerful MMF beadwork moments

May 22, 2025

Moments throughout MMF history that represent beadwork traditions

^{For I Love to Bead Month we're looking back at some of the most monumental moments of beadwork in the Manitoba Métis Federation's history.}

As Red River Métis, we are proud beaders. Also known as the "Flower Beadwork People," beadwork is a vital part of the Red River Métis identity, culture, and history. We incorporate unique features that identify our beadwork as distinct from other nations. The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) has not only showcased our iconic beadwork but also cemented the tradition into history for future generations. An important element of our beadwork tradition is the act of gifting beadwork in respect of an honoured recipient; this custom can be seen at Red River Métis gatherings and the MMF's are no exception.

In celebration of I Love to Bead Month, here are seven examples of the MMF's dedication to traditional beadwork and customs.

1. On the cover of history: The Treaty beadwork

_{The beadwork rests on the cover of the historic Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty; the entire piece is sewn into a traditional black background overlapping red leather - representing the Red River.}

The MMF and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree signed the monumental Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty, recognizing the MMF as the one true and official Government of the Red River Métis on November 30, 2024. To represent Red River Métis culture, artist Jennine Krauchi created a beaded cover for the historic Treaty; it features distinctive Red River Métis beadwork such as the prairie rose, which to Krauchi, is an emblem of Red River Métis survival. The stem of the rose continues into the well-known infinity symbol, a message of resilience and perseverance; the rose extends downwards, representing the roots of the Red River Métis, and then continues toward the top of the piece - illustrating how, as a Nation, we are always growing and reaching for the next triumph. Krauchi's beadwork exemplifies how Red River Métis artisans tell a story through art, using traditional artistic influence to interweave our history, our present, and our future.

2. To honour His Holiness: Beaded gifts presented to Pope Francis

_{The beaded cross was presented to Pope Francis during a pilgrimage to Rome, the first meeting with him since he had issued an official apology for the harms done by the residential and day school systems.}

As part of our tradition, custom-made beadwork is gifted to those we respect and honour. On April 21, 2022, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, residential school survivors, and Youth, along with President David Chartrand, traveled to Rome to meet with His Holiness, the late Pope Francis. The group presented beaded gifts to the Pope, which included a red cross made by Jennine Krauchi and a pair of small, beaded slippers; Prairie Owl Beads also made a large black beaded cross and slippers adorned with prairie flowers and a cross decorated on top. The slippers symbolize the Red River Métis and the Pope walking the path of the future together.

3. Wishing on a silver Coin: Royal Canadian Mint beadwork etched into history

_{The coins are a $20 Fine Silver Coin, 99.99 per cent pure silver, and only 5,000 were minted and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint. The unique coin has traditional beadwork patterns and elements of Michif etched into it, engraving our patterns into history.}

In collaboration with the MMF, the Royal Canadian Mint added a Red River Métis coin into their "Generations" series in August of 2022. The beadwork showcased on the coin was designed by Jennine Krauchi, and it engraves the story of the Red River Métis through artistic symbolism. The fire at the base of the design represents a period of repression and loss, but the prairie rose rises from the fire, a classic Red River Métis motif representing the survival and cultural resurgence of the Nation. In addition to the intricate floral beadwork pattern - a unique marker of Red River Métis artistry - the coin's design incorporates the Michif phrases La Rivyeer Rooz (the Red River); Taapweeyimisho and Taapweeyimik lii Michif (Believe in yourself, believe in Métis). These elements set forth the coin's message of Red River Métis identity and is an example of our resilience through the preservation of our beadwork and our language - key elements of our identity.

4. Invested in Red River Métis future: A vest for Minister Park

_{Gifts are often presented at AGA to honour prominent figures of the Red River Métis Nation - those who tirelessly dedicate themselves and their lives to advancing the MMF with pride.}

Jack Park, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, keeps the Red River Métis Nation close to his heart - more specifically, on his vest. Minister Park was honoured with a beaded vest at the 2024 AGA by Métis N4 construction company CEO Marc LeClair. LeClair presented the gift to Minister Park for his involvement and hard, dedicated work. Minister Park has worked with Métis N4 for the past eight years, employing thousands of Red River Métis Citizens. The vest was made by David Heinrichs, a well-respected Red River Métis beadwork artist. Heinrichs' artistry cascades along the front panels, illustrating traditional beadwork through prairie flowers, interconnected by vines. Mouse tracks dance along the stems, another feature unique to the Red River Métis. The vest is made of black material, giving the beadwork a classic black background and is finished with red trimming.

5. A showcase in Red River Métis Heritage: The Heritage Centre art installation

_{The chain art installation, which will decorate the side of the Red River Métis National Heritage Centre, displays traditional prairie flower patterns, an ode to our past and writing our tradition in history, working as a message for the generations to come and for visitors to appreciate.}

First revealed at the 2023 Annual General Assembly (AGA), a beadwork chain installation created by Jennine Krauchi will be permanently showcased at the Red River Métis National Heritage Centre at 335 Main Street - set to open in 2026. The building will feature chains decorated in the iconic and historic markings identifying Red River Métis beadwork. The chain art installation was chosen to honour the moment Louis Riel stepped on the land surveyor's chain, standing up to Canada in the name of the Red River Métis Nation. The emblematic art installation will become an iconic landmark cascading along the side of the Heritage Centre, telling the Red River Métis story of resilience and perseverance, while celebrating our history and heritage.

6. The Beaded Blazer: Made in appreciation of IWS Spokeswoman Anita Campbell

_{The blazer, decorated with intricate beadwork, was presented to Minister Campbell at the 2023 Annual General Assembly (AGA). It is one of the last pieces Jennine Krauchi made in collaboration with her late mother, Jenny Meyer.}

Anita Campbell, Minister of Finance and Human Resources as well as Spokeswoman of Infinity Women Secretariat (IWS) was honoured with a beaded blazer at the 2023 AGA from the MMF, presented by IWS board members. Elder Joan Church, IWS board member representing the Southwest Region, has known Minister Campbell for over 40 years, and spoke to her hard work, passion, and dedication to IWS, which the gifted blazer recognizes. The blazer is adorned with beadwork from the lapel to the back collar. In keeping with tradition, beadwork artist Jennine Krauchi weaves the story of each individual into her pieces. Every bead represents Minister Campbell's incredible story; the colours are influenced by the IWS flag and lilacs - the Minister's favourite flower - and put together, form the iconic Red River Métis infinity symbol on the back collar.

7. The Red Poppy Medallion: A gift to President David Chartrand

_{The paper poppy is worn on Remembrance Day and for other services that honour Veterans; the beaded poppy is a revisioning of the poppy and has become a symbol honouring Indigenous Veterans. Today, handmade beaded poppies are often worn by Red River Métis Citizens in memory and in honour of the legacies left by Red River Métis Veterans.}

The MMF hosted a tribute to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 in Portage la Prairie on November 8, 2024, where President Chartrand was gifted with a beaded poppy medallion. The medallion was presented to President Chartrand by Red River Métis Veteran Joseph Courchaine. The event marked the 30th anniversary of Indigenous Veterans Day, a major milestone in the visibility, representation of Métis Citizens who served to protect Canada and our freedom. The beaded poppy medallion symbolizes the respect, visibility, and honour of our Red River Métis Veterans, and was gifted for President Chartrand to wear proudly at Veteran events - showcasing the pride and gratitude our Nation has for our Veterans.

 

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