Craft & Design : Prairies

The Prairie region in Canada includes the three western provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The Indigenous peoples in this region include Métis, First Nations represented by several main nations, namely; Cree, Blood, Ojibway and Blackfoot, Dakota, Lakota, Slave, Chippewayan, Beaver and Sarcee(1).

The practice of traditional Indigenous craft and design is an ongoing means to embrace traditional oral teachings for both ceremonial and cultural celebration purposes. Intricate beadwork, leather moccasins and finely detailed regalia are customary skills currently practiced and passed on to future generations.

This article is a non-comprehensive and living document that provides an overview of artistic activities in the region. It will be revised as necessary as part of our ongoing process of continuous updates.

1) http://www.aboriginalcanada.com/firstnation/dirfnab.htm