Description
Beaded, ribbon work, and embroidered leggings are an important part of Metis historical clothing. However, they have fallen “out of style” over time as the clothing of the day shifted.
With mid calf to ankle skirt lengths being most common at the time of the birth of our nation, covering ones legs in cold weather, or adding a protective, but beautiful, layer over pants for men, was very common.
Leggings that cover the calf from the ankle to the knee is common with many nations and is still seen in the powwow regalia of many nations. However, this is also seen among the Metis Nation.
Join us as we revive this tradition and make our leggings. You may choose to make your leggings beaded, with embroidery, or you may choose to use wool fabric with with simple ribbon trim…all are entirely traditional within our nation.
Natalie Pepin
Taanishi! Dishinikawshon Natalie Pepin. I am a Metis woman in the Tawatinaw Valley in Alberta, Canada. I support indigenous people who are reclaiming their indigenous roots to connect with their culture through learning the traditional skills, arts, stories and teachings of our ancestors. I support indigenous people, who are severed from their traditions by legacy and trauma of colonization, who are discovering that their culture is beautiful. I teach indigenous arts workshops such as beading, moccasin making and brain tanning as a means of reconciliation and reconnection.
