Archive for month: November, 2024

Listuguj’s own Jamie Metallic is a self-taught artist who has been making traditional crafts since she was a child. Crafting always made her feel at peace and grounded, and is motivated by creating meaningful art. Over the years she developed a broad skill set when it comes to traditional crafts, and her specialties include concho belts, traditional beaded mitts, moccasins, ribbon skirts, quilling, beading and Pow Wow regalias.  Metallic’s precision and intricateness is a true reflection of her years of experience when it comes to crafting.  

Regarding her work, and inspirations, Metallic said, “Over the years as an artist, you do get inspired by other’s people’s work, but I’d like to think that I’ve developed my own style of beadwork and creations. I like to put my own spin on my designs, I love to incorporate quill work into my pieces and think outside the box for my bead designs on my mitts. I like for them to stand out.”  She is inspired by the people she works with, whether it’s a student in her workshops, fellow creators or the communities she engages with. She is always eager to explore and grow when it comes to her craft and is determined to bring Indigenous art and culture to a wider audience.

Metallic offers belt and quill workshops, where she offers hands-on experience in learning traditional techniques and to embrace Indigenous artistry. These workshops are great for team building exercises, or for individuals who are simply interested in learning more about creating traditional crafts. She said, “Our workshops are more than just craft sessions: they are about creating shared space for creativity, collaboration, and community.”

If you would like more information on Jamie Metallic Designs, or would like to host a workshop, you can email jamiecmetallic77@gmail.com, reach out on Facebook: Jamie Metallic or Jamie Metallic Designs, or through Instagram: Jamie Metallic.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Alaqsite’w Gitpu School (AGS) has recently rolled out a brand-new production team for students to take part in. Gitpu Productions was established roughly a month and a half ago and was created for students who wanted to be part of a team, but not necessarily interested in sports. Being part of a team or club shows commitment, independence and responsibility.  Gitpu Productions is led by gym teachers, Jennifer Morrison and Tyler Gideon, with assistance from teacher, Darryl Stevens, and as of right now, there are 11 members, ranging from grade 5 to grade 7.

Grade five French Immersion student, Mia Legace, who is a member of the production team, said, “Gitpu Productions is pretty much of us making videos of people working at our school, of the athletes, and everyone else, and we put them on our media groups online.”

Each student has their own jobs and duties that they are comfortable with performing. Some of the tasks include sports announcements, filming and live-streaming sports events, graphic design, photography, laundry, and more. Gideon said, “There’s so many things that we can do. We’re going to start small, and we’re going to build and build and make sure all these students experience different jobs and see all the little things behind the scenes that most people don’t see when it comes to events.” While some of the students on the production team are members of various sports teams at AGS, they work together to ensure all tasks are met, if one of the students is out to play sports.

The production team gets together at least once a week to brainstorm and come up with ideas for future projects and events. A few ideas for the future: interviewing athletes to create profiles and bios, becoming game officials and statisticians, and creating gear for the team, with a logo created by member, grade seven English student, Charlie Pictou.  The team will also be looking into rolling out their own TikTok channel and creating more social media content. Morrison said, “We’re also going to be having some video editing. They’re going to be in charge of creating TikToks, content for social media, and getting the word out to community members.”

As of right now, you can see what Gitpu Productions has been working on via the Facebook page, “AGS Sports and Recreation.” The students have been dedicated to showing AGS and the community what they have been working on. We look forward to seeing what they have in store for the future!

From left to right:
Jennifer Morrison, Emily Mitchell, Donna Isaac Brisk, Sheeana Martin, Aubrey Wysote, Kiana Anderson Isaac, Charlie Pictou, Mia Legace, Lori Brisk, Kiera Barnaby, Lilly Barnaby, Shyla Martin, and Tyler Gideon.

By Ann Marie Jacques