Weaving Community, One Bead at a Time: Celebrating Native American Heritage Month at COCC
November is always a special time, and this year, celebrating Native American Heritage Month with the community at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) was truly a gift. A huge chi miigwetch (thank you) to Jeremiah at COCC for inviting me back to teach, and for helping create a space where we could gather and connect.
This year felt particularly intimate. Instead of a single large class, we held both a Beginner and an Advanced workshop. The smaller groups were just wonderful, allowing us to come together in a circle, learn, laugh, and share stories. These moments are the heart of why I love teaching.
More Than a "Craft," It's Connection
For me, beading is about so much more than simply a technique or a "craft." It's about community, about connection, and about our souls merging with our creative creations.
As we choose our colors, feel the thread, and place each tiny seed bead, the piece comes alive. Every creation takes on its own life and energy, becoming a wearable story. It is such a beautiful, powerful thing to share this process with others and carry forward the traditions that sustain us.
Exploring the Stitches
In the Beginner class, we focused on the fundamental beauty of the wrap and peyote stitches. It was inspiring to watch people pick up these techniques so quickly!
For the Advanced class, we pushed our skills further, exploring the structure of the square stitch and brick stitch. I was genuinely amazed by the dedication and the quick progress everyone made. It’s always the best part when I get to see those final pieces come together.
Continuing the Journey
If you attended either workshop and are still working away on your design, I would absolutely love to see it! Please feel free to tag on Instagram @miigwetch_designs in a picture of your work in progress or your completed earrings. Let's keep sharing the inspiration!
Thank you, once again, to COCC for hosting us, and to every single person who chose to spend their precious afternoon with me. It was the perfect way to enter this beautiful, slow season of winter.
Chi miigwetch, Amy Cullen | Miigwetch Designs