Copyright M Live Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A local Indigenous beader is calling on the West Michigan region to support her community beyond Native American Heritage Month’s 30 days. Ellie Mitchell, an Anishinaabek member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, founded Bead & Powwow Supply in 2011 to “re-Indigenize” the oldest trade on Turtle Island, a term used by many Indigenous tribes to refer to North America. Although she started as a powwow vendor and online shop, by 2022, she opened her first brick-and-mortar store as a one-stop shop for hundreds of beading supplies. Mitchell told MLive she will host a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Nov. 8, at her 5747 28th St. SE shop for the launch of her hand embroidery supply section. “It gives people a reason to come out and visit and hopefully meet other crafters, get inspired and learn new techniques,” she said. “This is open to everyone. One of our main focuses at Bead & Powwow Supply is Indigenous beaders, but adding things like embroidery and fabric are really part of our goal to cater to more communities outside the Indigenous community.” From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the embroidery launch includes snacks, giveaways and special discounts on all embroidery supplies. As Joann Fabrics locations closed across the region, Mitchell is positioning her new embroidery section as an alternative resource, stocking over 500 shades of DMC embroidery floss. The section also includes high-quality embroidery hoops, needles, and kits, making it easy to start a new embroidery project or blend threadwork with your beadwork and other fiber arts. “Hand embroidery shares the same spirit of patience, artistry, and cultural storytelling that runs through beadwork, and we’re excited to bring these creative worlds together under one roof,” Mitchell said. Items range from about $5 for basic beads, fabric and ribbon to over $150 for 24K gold supplies and finished pieces. Customers from all walks of life can expect thousands of items to purchase inside the 600-square-foot boutique, including vibrant seed beads, Czech glass beads, thread, ribbons, already-made earrings, beaded barrettes, dream catchers and more. Additionally, Mitchell will be collaborating with the Grand Rapids Public Library - Yankee Clipper branch at 2025 Leonard St. NE next week for a beading workshop in honor of Native American Heritage Month. From 6 to 7 p.m., Nov. 11, Mitchell and other community members will share their experiences with Indigenous fashion and showcase pieces. She will also teach a basic beading class. “We’ve been planning this for a while,” she said. “We have some pieces that we’re going to bring to showcase, and then I’m going to do a basic beading class. It’s something you can finish by the end of the class.” The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. A basic beading class entails making necklaces or bracelets, according to Mitchell. Participants will familiarize themselves with stringing material, how to lay beads, tie knots and plan a project. But Mitchell wants locals to know that supporting Indigenous people isn’t bound to one month; it’s year-round. She said that organizations that want to offer Native education or support tribal groups don’t have to restrict themselves to the months that are designated. November is a busy month on its own for the Anishinaabe people across Michigan. It’s a time for feasts and family gatherings. Often referred to as a Ghost Supper or Spirit Feast, this ceremony is typically held during the fall when Indigenous families gather to honor their relatives who have passed on and remember ancestors who paved the way for their families and tribes. “Natives are still here; we’re here year-round. You don’t have to just engage with us in November,” she said. “We have a living, thriving culture. It’s good to learn about people in a way that’s not just reading about them in history books.”
