CONNECTING TO CULTURE THROUGH BEADING
Chiaanakwad Dallas Downey is 17-year-old Mille Lacs Band member activist, actor, and artist bon and raised in North Minneapolis.
By Chiaanakwad Dallas Downey
Beadwork isn’t just a craft for me, it’s a creative connection to my Ojibwe heritage. Every bead I place is a step into history, a way to honor my ancestors, and a chance to tell my own story and write my own history. It’s my way of blending tradition with my personal touch, creating something that’s uniquely mine while connecting to my culture.
When I sit down to bead, a dance of colors and patterns unfurl, each bead is a step in the drummed rhythm of my heritage. I think about the stories my relatives have shared, the patterns they crafted, and the vibrant colors that resemble the ones native to our lands.
The process is meditative as I carefully thread beads onto sinew (a traditional thread), one bead at a time, and as I watch a design come to life. I get lost in the shapes, the floral patterns my ancestors originated, the animals whose spirits we honor, and the more generalized geometric patterns. I often incorporate nature-inspired designs, like the curve of a leaf or the flow of water, which feel like whispers from the creator itself.
At the core of beadwork is problem-solving, mixed with culture and creativity. How do I make the colors pop? How do I create a pattern that’s both traditional and uniquely mine? It’s like designing a puzzle, and I love figuring out how to make it f it. I experiment with blending traditional styles and modern features, combining vibrant and traditional palettes alike to create a beautiful fusion of my rich cultural heritage and my natural contemporary expression.
With each new piece I create, I’m reminded of the stories of my people and the way those stories flow through me. I add my own story into the work, a personal touch to a tradition that has been passed down through generations. I don’t just preserve the culture by beading, I shape it, transforming ancient techniques in a way that reflects who I am, the beautiful culture I bear, and the ancestors I come from.
I am a 17-year-old activist, actor, and artist born and raised in North Minneapolis. I have a rich heritage that encompasses both Black and Indigenous roots, and I infuse my work with a powerful blend of cultural influences and social consciousness. Beadwork is one of the ways I express my dual heritage while honoring the traditions of my ancestors. Beyond art, I’ve been deeply involved in activism and advocacy. I’ve contributed to campaigns like Police-Free Schools MN, End Youth Prisons MN, and Solutions Not Suspension. I aim to raise awareness about youth incarceration and its impact on Native and Black communities in Minnesota.
I use my perspectives and creative passions to inspire my work, expressing my thoughts, views, and social commentary on the world around us. Through my art, I aim to inspire change and advocate for a future where youth can thrive. My work is a reflection of my heritage, my activism, and my hope to create a free and just world for the next generation.
