Beadwork: First Peoples' Beading History and Techniques by Christi Belcourt

You can often identify which nation a person comes from by the beadwork they wear.

In the past, as is the situation today, women were by far the makers of most beaded items.

Many designs sewn in beadwork today, particularly on regalia and ceremonial items, contain images that come from spiritual ceremonies or from dreams.  Patterns of plants and animals are sometimes created in honour of the spirits and the gifts humans receive from these beings. 

"Spirit Beads" are individual beads of a "wrong" colour sometimes intentionally sewn into works…. This bead is not always a "mistake", having been placed there by the beadworker on purpose.  There are many reasons a bead worker may do this.

Regalia items are very personal and artistic expressions of the dancers' lives, feelings, interests, family and spiritual quest.

Medicines to Help Us: Traditional Metis Plant Use by Christi Belcourt

The painting is symmetrical to emphasize balance and harmony, and it also shows that there are two sides to everything.  The roots are depicted to indicate that there is more to life than what appears on the surface, and what our ancestry greatly influences our lives.

The power plants have to heal is a life force generated from the strength of Mother Earth.

Many times an Elder will have to gain insight into the person's illness by communicating with the Spirit World, or by intuitive scanning of a person's body to "see" where the person is ill.  The traditional helper works to make the immune system strong enough to heal the whole person, including the whole body and spirit, and not just to cure the illness.

Kinnikinnik is often thought of as a substitute for "tobacco", or "something to be smoked".  However, it also refers to "something that is mixed", meaning it is mixed with other plants (such as red willow) presumably to produce something to smoke.  This is why several plants can be referred to as "kinnikinnik".

Plants can be used singly, or blended together to create synergistic medicines.

"Wild mint is used as a regular beverage, but is also used to clear chest congestion". Rose Richardson

Blueberries were traditionally dried for year-round use, and were pounded into a powder that was mixed with other foods.