As a child, I coveted my mother’s beautiful moccasins. They were wrapped in soft white rabbit fur and decorated with delicate blue floral beadwork. Although my Métis heritage comes from my father’s side, it was my mother, who handed them down to me, and I still have them to this day. They’re worn now, the rabbit fur pompoms have been lost, but they’ve still feel sacred, something more than just a pair of shoes. They’ve connected me, in their own quiet way, to my culture and my family’s story.

The Métis Nation has long been celebrated for its stunning beadwork, floral designs stitched onto leather coats, moccasins, and gloves with care and artistry. So recognized are they for this tradition that other Indigenous communities have called the Métis the “Flower Beadwork People.”

This Métis beadwork art activity for kids, inspired by the beautiful work of Métis artist Christi Belcourt, is a creative way for children and teens to explore this cultural art form in a personal and hands-on way. Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in a classroom, or just looking for an art project with deeper meaning, this is a chance to introduce kids to the stories, beauty, and symbolism woven into Métis beadwork, and to invite them to tell their own story, too.

Want This Workshop Led for You?

If you’d prefer to have this workshop led either virtually or in person, I’d love to help. I offer facilitated versions of this activity for classrooms, homeschool groups, and community gatherings. Feel free to contact me here to chat more about what that could look like.

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The Métis are one of Canada’s three constitutionally recognized Indigenous peoples, along with First Nations and Inuit. They emerged as a distinct nation in the late 1700s in the historic Northwest, especially in the Red River Valley, when European fur traders, mostly French and Scottish, formed families with Indigenous women from nations like the Cree, Ojibwe, and Saulteaux. Over time, these families gave rise to a vibrant new culture that was neither fully European nor First Nations, it was entirely Métis.

The Métis developed their own language (Michif), their own governance structures, and beautiful artistic and cultural traditions, like floral beadwork, fiddle music, storytelling, and bison hunting, that reflected both their Indigenous and European roots. These cultural expressions became core parts of a proud, distinct identity that continues to thrive today.

The Red River Métis, also known as the Manitoba Métis, are recognized as the heart and birthplace of the Métis Nation. Their homeland centers around what is now Winnipeg, Manitoba, and extends across the Canadian prairies and into parts of the northern United States. This region is often referred to as the Métis Homeland or “Motherland.”

The Métis played a major role in shaping Canadian history. In 1869, under the leadership of Louis Riel, the Métis established their own provisional government and negotiated Manitoba’s entry into Confederation, making it Canada’s fifth province in 1870. Despite the many challenges that followed, including displacement, cultural suppression, and systemic discrimination, the Métis Nation has held fast to its identity, language, and sovereignty.

Today, Métis governments, such as the Manitoba Métis Federation, advocate for Métis rights, support community well-being, and preserve the rich cultural traditions that continue to shape Métis life across the Homeland.

Looking to learn more? The Manitoba Métis Federation website is an excellent starting points for educators, parents, and students alike.

Recommended Age/Grade: This Métis beadwork art activity for kids works best for children ages 8 and up, but it is adaptable for younger children. Although this art looks simple it does take time and patience to complete. The pictures in this article are from an art piece created by my daugher (age 15, grade 9).

Duration: Approximately 90-120+ minutes (plus additional reflection/wrap-up time if needed) depending on the complexity of the piece.

Objectives:

• Understand the cultural significance of beadwork and dot painting in Indigenous and Métis art.

• Learn techniques inspired by Christi Belcourt’s beadwork paintings and Métis dot painting methods.

• Create an original beadwork painting that reflects personal identity or cultural symbolism.

• Reflect on the process and connect it to Indigenous artistic traditions.

Materials List

• Canvas or heavy art paper: approximately 5×7,  8×10, 16×20 inches or preferred size. Note: The larger the canvas the longer it will take to complete the art piece. For children 8-12, opt for a small canvas (5×7), for teens opt for a large canvas (8×10, 16×20) and divide the project over several sessions.

• Acrylic paints: a basic set including white, black, red, blue, green, and yellow

• Paintbrushes: a medium or large brush (for background)

• Dotting tools: items such as the end of a paintbrush, knitting needle, toothpick, or store-bought dotting tools (used for nail art or clay work) work well for creating bead-like dots

• Palette: for mixing paints (aluminum pie plate, papper plate)

• Water container: for cleaning brushes

• Paper towels or a rag: for drying brushes

• Pencil and eraser: for sketching the design

• Ruler: for measuring or creating guidelines (if desired)

• Scrap paper: for practicing bead/dot patterns

• Optional finishing medium: Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer

Step-by-Step Instructions for Métis Beadwork Painting

These steps are designed to help you guide children, whether in a classroom or around the kitchen table, through a creative and meaningful exploration of Métis art. You don’t need to be an artist yourself to facilitate this project; your role is to provide the structure, encouragement, and cultural context.

1. Introduce Métis Art

Begin by showing children the video The Wisdom of the Universe by Christi Belcourt, which beautifully demonstrates her dot painting technique inspired by traditional Métis beadwork.

Use the video as a conversation starter. Ask:

• What elements of nature do you notice in Belcourt’s artwork?

• How does using dots change how the artwork feels or looks?

• Why do you think the artist uses painting to represent beadwork?

2. Paint the Background

Have the children use a medium brush to cover their canvas or heavy paper with black acrylic paint. This dark background helps the dot painting stand out, similar to traditional beadwork on dark hides or fabric.

Set the paintings aside to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

3. Plan the Artwork

While the background is drying, invite children to look at examples of traditional and contemporary Métis beadwork. Good sources include artists like Lisa Shepherd and Kim Gullion Stewart. You could show images on a screen or print out a few sample designs.

Ask children to brainstorm and sketch ideas on scrap paper. Encourage them to think about:

• Plants or animals that are meaningful to them

• Symbols that reflect their identity or emotions

• Traditional floral motifs common in Métis art

Prompt: What story or feeling do you want your painting to express?

4. Transfer the Design

Once the background is dry, guide the children in lightly sketching their designs onto the canvas with a pencil. For symmetrical or geometric designs, using a ruler may be helpful.

Remind them to keep their lines light, these are just guides for painting.

5. Create the Dot Details

Give children access to dotting tools, these could be dotting styluses, the end of a paintbrush, a knitting needle, or even a toothpick.

Show them how to dip the tool lightly in paint and apply small, controlled dots to mimic beadwork. Encourage them to work slowly and with intention, focusing on rhythm and balance in their patterns.

Refer back to Christi Belcourt’s video for style inspiration if needed.

6. Add Finishing Touches

Once the children are satisfied with their beadwork dots, invite them to step back and assess their paintings. Are there any areas that need more balance? More color?

If desired, you can seal their finished pieces with Mod Podge or a clear acrylic spray once dry, especially if they’ll be handled or displayed long-term.

7. Reflect and Connect

To deepen learning, ask children to write a short reflection (300–500 words, or verbally share if age-appropriate).

Reflection Prompts:

• How did you choose your design, and what does it represent about who you are?

• Which part of the process did you enjoy the most—planning, painting, or dotting?

• Why do you think Métis artists use beadwork and dot painting to tell their stories?

Assessment (if needed)

Artwork Quality: Evaluate the painting for creativity, technique, and how well it integrates beadwork and dot painting methods.

Reflection: Review the written reflection for thoughtful connection to cultural themes and personal identity.

Engagement: Observe engagement with the resources, planning, and execution of the project.

Interested in a Guided Workshop?

If you’d rather have someone else lead this experience, whether online or in person, I’d be happy to support you. I offer facilitated versions of this activity for schools, homeschool communities, and local groups.
Reach out to me here if you’d like to explore how we can bring this meaningful project to your learners.