This is a picture of a strong Indigenous women who I am/was extremely lucky and proud to call my grandma. Her name is Dora Marie Lafferty. As a little girl, I spent countless hours admiring her beautiful beadwork and talent. Eventually, she passed on her knowledge and passion to me. I used to visit her every weekend to bead and listen to her countless stories. She was extremely special to me.
In 2014, she unfortunately lost a hard fought battle to pancreatic cancer. She was so strong and determined and refused to put down the beads the whole time she was sick. She beaded until her very last day on this earth to make sure each and every one of her many grandchildren had a pair of her mukluks for the year. I still wear mine every winter and hold them close to my heart. My grandma was truly the glue of our family.
Today my special way of connecting to my grandma, my ancestors and my Indigenous roots is through my beadwork. I take at least an hour a day to escape reality and bead. Throughout COVID my beadwork became a mini business with the amount of interest I was getting. I have now shared my grandma’s passion all over the country for which I am extremely grateful for. I wish that my grandma could witness the legacy she left behind. I just know she is so proud of me.
Masi Cho Grandma!
I’ve attached links to both of my beading accounts if you would like to see more pictures.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saharasadehsbeadwork/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083063964206
Both of my Facebook and Instagram pages are saharasadehsbeadwork
Masi Cho! 🙂