Sinew-sewn with lanes of beadwork executed in light and dark blue, red white-heart, greasy yellow, and translucent green; yellow and red pigment on hide; side fringe also embellished with pigment, total length 29". late 19th century
I give you this one thought to keep - I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunligh on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn.
Apache Blessing
May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night,
May the rain wash away your worries,
May the breeze blow new strength into your being,
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.
I am honoured to use Laura Whitefeather as the name given to me by the Creator. I am Metis but only discovered it years ago. As in most families certain “things” were never talked about and often only discovered after someone passed away. For me that person was my Aunt Alice who was a very kind woman and someone I miss dearly. She would come for visits and often bring gifts of Native origin – something I never questioned. When she passed away her Metis card was found, something she never told us about. After searching my roots, I discovered I was a Metis and not only does it come through my father's side of the family but my Grandmother's side as well. Since this day of discovery, I have had a desire to learn more about my roots. I started by handpainting feathers and explained their meaning. I have moved on to having my feathers embroidered on clothing to give them longevity. Now that I have my embroidery machine I have branched out into making baby bibs using the Ojibway language to describe the embroidered picture. This is a great way to learn the language. Now retired, I work from home with my little dogs by my side and a supportive husband looking over my shoulder.
