Window Gallery:
OPULENCE: WE BEAD EVERYTHING!
Sâkêwêwak Artists’ Collective
Jayda Delorme, Nicole Morrow, Fawn Redwood, Tina Kequahtooway, Terri Mennear,
Kim Belhumeur supported by Stacey Fayant
January 28 – March 13 | 2023
Reception: January 28, 7 – 9 pm
Artists Roundtable Talk: February 4, 2023
Opulence: We bead everything! ran for four months which hosted weekly sessions, supported
by artist Stacey Fayant and guest artists; Melissa Worme, Lynette LaFountaine, and Tammi Ratt.
The group visited the Indigenous collections at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum during the
series to reflect on the work done in the past and inspire them to incorporate contemporary ideas,
colours, and influences. Old archived photos of Indigenous people offer documentation of the
traditional art made by past Indigenous womxn with luxurious beadwork, quillwork, stitching,
and sewing on just about anything, including worn or household belongings. Those archived
images also leave hints on how and why they were created whether the images captured a group
of people beading or showcased shared elements in their work through similar patterns and
motifs. Examining the visual narrative of these photographs highlights community as a
significant element in creating traditional art.
Hosted by lead artist and facilitator, Stacey Fayant, this group is to create a supportive space for
Indigenous artists whose practice is primarily focused on beadwork. Participants met weekly via
virtual and in-person meetings to explore areas such as tufting, quill, and fur, to incorporate into
their individual beading projects. In alignment with the Métis cultural practice of sitting around
the kitchen table, creating new work, talking, and learning, participants developed their skills
through guest artist workshops, group sharing, and peer skill exchange.
Jayda Delorme
Earrings & Regalia Piece (2022-2023)
Seed beads, fabric, notions, thread.
Jayda Danielle Delorme, born 2002, mainly based in Regina SK, is an emerging Nihiyaw (Cree)
visual artist from Cowessess First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. She is an artist of many mediums
including drawing, painting, body painting, digital art and logo making. Her focus is her cultural
art practices such as beading, sewing, regalia making and indigenous cultural tattooing. Her work
can be found in various places around her community. In 2018 her work was shown on an
international stage for the World Body Painting Festival in Austria. She takes great passion in
expressing her indigeneity through her art practices as well as using her art to contribute to her
community.
Nicole Morrow
Mitts (Gauntlets) (2022-2023)
Seed beads, leather, thread.
Nicole Morrow, a proud Métis with Saulteaux and Scottish biological roots and a Métis, and
Irish upbringing. She is a teacher and self-taught artist from Fort Qu’appelle, Saskatchewan. She
completed her Bed at SUNTEP – U of R in 2010 and has been sharing her love of beading in the
classroom ever since.
Growing up adopted and later navigating the foster care system she struggled with a sense of
identity and belonging. Beading played and continues to play an important role in the journey of
reclaiming what was lost. She uses beading to recreate connection, build community and as a
tool for healing.
She plays with many different mediums including painting, embroidery, sewing and beadwork.
Fawn Redwood
Beaded Moccasins (2022-2023)
Seed beads, leather, thread.
I am a proud member of Cowessess First Nation situated along the Qu’Appelle Valley on Treaty
Four territory. I am Nehiyaw, Anishnabek, French, and Ukrainian. I was raised in Regina in my
younger years and then on my Reserve “Cowessess First Nation”, till I attended University in
Regina. In 2004, I completed a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Minor in Art History with Honors
from the First Nations University of Canada/ University of Regina.
I am a multimedia artist, not one medium can hold me for too long. There is always a desire to
create and challenge myself in learning new skills. My designs are influenced by my culture,
heritage, and heart. Growing up my grandmother was always busy making Star blankets and her
designs always intrigued my passion for color, but she was also meticulous with her stitches and
workmanship. My family has always created artwork in our daily lives from sewing, embroidery,
quilting, beadwork, quillwork, leather work, painting, and drawing. Creating art and
embellishing our daily lives with color and beauty have been a part of our traditions that have
been passed down through generations.
Tina Kequahtooway
Puzzle Bag (2022-2023)
Seed beads, fabric, ribbons, thread
Tina Kequahtooway, currently resides in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada with her husband and
family. She hails from Zagime Anishinabek, formerly known as Sakimay First Nation, and is of
Saulteaux/Cree descent.
Tina’s parents are Phyllis McKay from Zagime and late Dennis Morrison
from Kahkewistahaw; both parents are Residential School Survivors.
Tina attended First Nations University of Canada 2001. Traveled to Ottawa to support the Idle
No More Grassroots movement in January 2013. While raising her children, Tina learned how to
make her children’s pow wow regalia. From sewing to beading, she likes to create jewelry,
beaded hats, and medallion sets.
Terri Mennear
Octopus bag (2022-2023)
Seed Beads, cloth, thread
19.5 x 123cm long.
My Métis heritage comes from the maternal side of my family who originally resided in Lac La
Biche, Alberta. I have loved beads and buttons since I was a child, but I really became interested
in making my own beadwork creations about 7 years ago. I’m honoured to have learned beading
techniques from attending programs offered by instructors Jenn Creeley, Jane Carriere, Katie
Ironstar, Jennine Krauchi, Naomi Smith, Katie Longboat and Stacey Fayant. I’m also grateful
for the opportunity to learn from participants of beading circles that I have attended. Beading is
an integral part of my life. It not only provides me with a way to express myself artistically and
connect with my Métis heritage. It contributes to my mental wellbeing.
Kim Belhumeur
Beadwork on Canadian flag (2022-2023)
Seed beads, Canadian flag, thread
67.31cm x 44.5cm
Kim Belhumeur is a Métis woman from Regina, Sask. with roots in the Qu’Appelle Valley. She
has a background in journalism and communications, and started beading in adulthood. Her work
is primarily functional and wearable, often using floral motifs. Currently, she is exploring fine art
through beaded paintings. Kim considers her work to be a contribution to Métis cultural
reclamation and revitalization, and she is proud to be a part of a Nation whose members are
working hard to bring back what was taken from their ancestors. Kim enjoys beading in
community and treasures the opportunities it brings to build relations and share knowledge.
