SASKATOON — Beading was something Jusinda Rosenkerr had the chance to learn when she was a student as part of First Nations University’s Indigenous Social Work Program’s Culture Camp.
“I instantly thought it was so cool,” said Rosenkerr, now the Indigenous wellness counsellor at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
Following the camp she quickly found a local beading circle.
“It was me and a bunch of Kokums and Aunties and I remember how much I looked forward to it because I felt so connected,” said Rosenkerr. “I felt heard and safe, and as I learned how to do different styles of lanyards and earrings, it became a coping tool for me.”
“It’s been something that’s helped me in my reclamation,” she added. “It reminds us as contemporary urban Natives that culture can still be used for healing and coping.”
In 2023, when Rosenkerr joined USask in a role focused on students, she called on her experiences beading and decided to incorporate the practice into her job.
“Indigenous students’ needs are unique and different, so I wanted to be inclusive of that,” said Rosenkerr. “I decided to try a beading circle, and it’s proven to be absolutely beneficial for students.”
The program, called Beading with Auntie, now offers monthly sessions during fall and winter terms and is a protected space.
“It’s reserved for Indigenous expression, safety and community for USask Indigenous students,” she said.
