Wampum Bead Workshop
What to Expect
Day One: explain the origin of wampum; the kinds of shells used for making wampum; explain tools; explain methods in making wampum beads; purpose of wampum; set-up loom, use of blueprints, stringing beads
Day Two: explain Great Law Belts, Two Row and Friendship Treaty Belt.
Registration fee is intended to support the on-going work of The Jake Thomas Learning Centre.
Ø a burning tobacco ceremony will take place prior to the class on Saturday morning (participants are encouraged to bring a tobacco offering)
Ø participants must smudge with white pine before workshop begins--Saturday and Sunday morning
Ø all participants must be on time
Ø a workshop package will be provided
Ø participant will make 10 beads: 5 beads will be kept by participant and 5 beads will be turned into the Centre
Ø beware; if participant breaks a drill, there is a cost of $9 for each drill broken
Ø no extra beads or blanks will be taken out of the Centre as we have limited amount of shells
Ø safety precautions & housekeeping duties will be assumed by each participant during the workshop
Ø participants are encouraged to write down questions so they can be answered during the time allotted
Ø beads are not for sale; can be bartered for a horn rattle, etc.
Ø optional; participant can secure a "Certificate of Recognition" by submitting a six to eight page essay before 11:00 am Sunday (i.e. explain various shells; procedures to make a bead; explain in your own words each of the meanings for the wampum strings/belts).