JD Hawk’s Beaded Vest & The Red River Métis
The beaded flowers played a significant cultural role and often tells a story.
Made by his loving partner in honour of his accomplishments
“I have found my place… I am home”
– JD –
Two Bottom Flowers
Right Side – his grandmother
Left Side – his mother
The Upper Motif is read starting at the bottom and goes upwards.
Two Red Seeds represent the beginning of life.
Vines & Thorns represent the Challenges and Struggles he had faced in life, including homelessness and the loss of family.
Single Green Leaf represents how he felt most of his life – alone and not fitting in.
Budding Flowers represents the hopes and dreams he had.
Six Berries represents his partner and her 5 adult children. They have accepted him as part of their family. One Christmas, they gave him a family portrait that was drawn out by each of them. The following Father’s Day, they took him out for dinner. “I have found my place, I am home” – JD –
Tulip represents an artist’s brush with the 3 primary colours, showing he is a recognized and established artist in his community.
Red flower / Leaves / Sun represents – as long as the sun rises, he will continue to grow and shine.
Spirit Bead – Look closely. One of the beads is missing. This is called a Spirit Bead. It represents that he recognizes and acknowledges he is not perfect and he will stay humble and continue to grow in his journey though life.”
“Flower Beaded People”
Before the 17th century, our First Nations relatives referred to us as the “Flower Beaded People”. It wasn’t until after the 17th century the term “Métis” was used.
Over the years, there has been some confusion of who is Métis because our identity and culture has been, and continues to be falsely claimed & misappropriated by others claiming to be “Métis”. In order to distinguish our culture from those that claim to be Métis, but have no link to us, we are referred to as the Red River Métis.
Our very distinct history, unique culture, our own language called “Michif”, along with our homeland, is recognized by the Inuit, First Nations and the Canadian Constitution.
There are only Three Indigenous Nations in Canada
* Inuit – First Nations – Red River Métis *
Both of JD Hawk’s parents are Red River Métis, and come from
a long line of Red River Métis ancestry.
JD is also a direct descendant of Titameg “Whitefish” & John Favel Jr.
Did you know?
The Manitoba Métis Federation is the only legal and recognized
Métis Government in Canada.
The Métis flag is over 150 years older than the Canadian flag.
