Poundmaker to mark history at treaty day celebration

The First Nations University of Canada (FNUC) was host to a 'Winter Solstice
Crafters' Fair in November and coordinators Grace Stevenson, Vanea Cyr, George Favel and Rick Jacques said they were very pleased with the event's success.
The booths and displays showed an array of First Nations and Métis crafts including items of jewellery, beadwork, pow-wow regalia, oil paintings, beaded lamps, wedding cakes and tipis.
Helen Sunshine was one of many vendors
in attendance and she refers to herself as a traditional artist. Her talent in regalia-making was sparked 15 years ago with the creation of her daughter's first pow-wow outfit. Sunshine admits that she was immediately smitten with the process. She carries her beadwork with her wherever she goes, she said. The sewing and beading is done for special occasions (like powwow outfits for both herself and her daughter's outfits) and for her own personal enjoyment and satisfaction.
Sunshine does bead work, moccasins, jackets, and pow-wow regalia and truly believes that art is a personal creation that comes from within the artist and all of it has a story, including the colors and design.
"The beadwork can last a lifetime...just like the stories."
Sunshine said she believes an event such as the artists' fair is really needed because it's important to have places where there is opportunity to meet other people in the arts.
"It's a chance to get exposure," she said.
"There is currently no place like this in Regina or Saskatoon."
Sunshine is a self-taught artist who was influenced as a child by her grandmother.
She also learned embroidery and sewing while in residential school, which is why the geometric and floral patterns are distinct in her beadwork. She created her own traditional dance regalia and has danced for two years now.
Sunshine's creations may last a lifetime and she said powerful feelings are created when she finishes a piece of work.
"I feel so proud when I see the little girls or dancers wearing my work at powwows," she said, adding that she appreciates the
opportunity to contribute and would love to see this venue as a regular gathering place.
Volunteer, vendor and organizer Vanea Cyr agrees the turnout was great and took much work to guarantee its success.
"People were coming and going all day and they were mulling about the displays throughout," Cyr said and added that she was excited to be involved. She said she looks forward to the next event and wants this to be an annual fair, especially with the positive feedback she received.
"It's a social event where friends and relatives come by. With Christmas ahead, there are unique gifts and no place else to get these in the city."
Grace Stevenson anticipates a second fair at FNUC in December will be bigger and better, with even more First Nations and Métis artists and crafters available. Word of mouth does much for promotion, she said. As well, the Christmas season is the opportune time to hold this event.
The selection of arts and crafts available will prove to be excellent stocking-stuffers, with earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watchbands and hairclips in demand.
This kind of outlet always creates an opportunity for many people to network and to share their unique gifts and talents, she said. Artists experience their own success while making a contribution to the traditions and culture of First Nations and
Métis people.