Beadwork artists in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory created Rotinonhsyón:ni style beaded masks as a part of the “Breathe.” challenge.
In March 2020, Métis artist Nathalie Bertin turned to social media with a question: “Why haven’t I seen any beaded masks?” This led her to Lisa Shepherd, a fellow Métis artist. By the end of that month, the artists had co-created “Breathe: A collection of traditionally crafted masks demonstrating resiliency through 21st century pandemic.” On April 6, the project went live on Facebook as a group page and a platform for Indigenous artists to create and share beaded masks in their traditional style.
"Within the first two weeks, I think, we had over a thousand members from all around the world," says Bertin. "Within two or three weeks, we started seeing these amazing creations with the most incredible stories.”
The Breathe project inspired the Tsi Tyónnheht Onkwawén:na Language and Cultural Centre and the Enyonkwa’nikonhriyo:hake (Good Minds) program in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory to invite beaders in their community to create Rotinonhsyón:ni-style masks. “It’s been important to engage the community because language, culture — those connections — can be very healing for people,” says Erica Gray, administrative assistant at TTO.
Bertin and Shepherd were thrilled to hear that the community had been inspired. “That’s what it's about,” Bertin says. “Communities coming together to help one another.”
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