The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard for a lot of small businesses, but for some, it was also an opportunity to reflect and come together as a community. 

Meet three entrepreneurs and artists from Akwesasne, a Mohawk community along the Ontario, Quebec and New York state borders who apply traditional crafting techniques and materials into items like masks that not only honour culture, but address the challenges during this time.

Speakers:

Marlana Thompson is Mohawk from the Wolf Clan and owner of Okwaho Creations, where traditional beadwork and design meets the styles of today. Marlana has been sewing, beading and creating pieces of art since seven and her work has been featured in the Smithsonian and other museums in the world, at the Toronto Sky Dome Powwow, the Akwesasne International Powwow and other local fashion and art shows.

Carrie Hill is a Haudenosaunee woman from Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and owner of Chill Baskets, where she applies the ancient tradition of weaving Black Ash Splints and Sweetgrass. Carrie is also a teacher of Haudenosaunee Fancy Basketry and her work has been sent all over the world including an entire collection representing the Haudenosaunee People for the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland (Eswatini), Africa.

Tania Clute is part of the artist collective that works with Two House Design-Crafters, a Mohawk-owned business located in the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. Tania is primarily known for her beadwork creating both raised and flat beadwork, and also creates replica wampum belts with a loom.

The program will be moderated by Jenn Harper, an award-winning social entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc.  Cheekbone Beauty is a digitally native direct to consumer brand that is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while using the concept of a circular economy in the brands ethos and in developing their latest line of products.

Presented virtually in celebration of International Women's Day and as part of TPL's Live & Online Small Business programming, supported by Shopify.

This program will be recorded and available for replay at the same link.

Questions about online programs? Please email us at programproposals@tpl.ca

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Photo credit for image of woman with mask:  Kyrie Ransom.

Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs: The Power of Traditional Crafting During a Pandemic