Beading with Auntie is a new program introduced at the University of Saskatchewan for USask Indigenous students. The program offers monthly sessions in the fall and winter and fosters Indigenous expression, safety, and community building at the campus.

Jusinda Rosenkerr, the Indigenous wellness counsellor at the University of Saskatchewan, developed the program. The program blends age-old beading practices with modern techniques and has helped create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable collaborating and helping one another.

Rosenkerr first learnt beading at a Culture Camp during her Indigenous Social Work studies at First Nations University. Inspired by the learning and the community aspect, she joined a local beading circle. In 2023, Rosenkerr joined USask in a role focused on students and decided to incorporate her beading experiences into her job.

The program has helped create strong peer support and meaningful connections among students. Rosenkerr believes infusing culture into campus life helps students thrive and finds it rewarding to see the circle’s success in creating a safe, expressive space.

Source: SaskToday