The Life of an Indigenous Dressmaker | Ft. Agnes Woodward of ReeCreeations

[@maisieraeteague8146]

I'm a registered member of the Washoe tribe, my tribal name means "Little Light Foot". I cried to see you host such a meaningful guest who brought a wealth of indigenous information to attention. Their beautiful art. ♡♡♡

[@loretta2539]

As a Native American who has been following you since 100 subscribers I was surprised to see you interview a Native dress maker as most content creators never done this (as far as I seen) and I'm happy to see this 😄 I do cultural dress making but specifically for family only (haven't got a machine to do orders) but this video was enlightening and lovely 🤗☺

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks Loretta for being with me since the beginning 😊 My ancestors are autochthonous indigenous (ethnic minorities of the Ural-mountain region) so I have folk wear and traditional dress on my mind a lot, especially as I’ve been getting deeper into the education of my heritage this year. Because of that I really started thinking about ethnic minority and Indigenous dressmaking practices as well amongst Native Americans, and felt it was an important thing for there to be more awareness surrounding, hence the interview. Indigenous rights matter to me a lot because the are the foundation of so many gorgeous and mindful traditions. That’s beautiful that you practice Indigenous dressmaking as well 💕

[@loretta2539]

@@VBirchwood from one indigenous dress maker to another, I'm glad you are reconnecting with your history and culture! 🤗

[@VBirchwood]

@@loretta2539 thank you 😊💕

[@sewingintrifocals-alisonde7778]

@@loretta2539 , your family should pitch in and buy you a nice sewing machine! 😇

[@samanthaschurter747]

I was deeply moved by the Cree tradition of giving colors along with a name. Thank you for sharing this beautiful culture.

[@VBirchwood]

Yes!! Such a beautiful and meaningful practice. Thanks so much for your comment Samantha 😊

[@VBirchwood]

CW: Discussions around residential schools, violence, and related themes. Whilst watching this video, one thing to keep in mind is that the last residential school in Canada was closed in 1997, which means this is still very recent history. This helps to put into perspective that the attrocities commimted upon the children of residential schools happened during the lifetimes of many of us. Donations for Seeding Sovereignty have closed, so please consider donating to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society: www.irsss.ca Thank you very much for watching and I'm incredibly grateful to Agnes for sharing her experiences, stories, and wisdom with us all.

[@qwertydeluxe]

Thank you for sharing this interview, including the conversation around residential schools.

[@slippers4eve4]

What an amazing story about safeguarding your culture and the people closest you! Thank you V. Birchwood for providing a platform for Agnes Woodward. Thank you Agnes Woodward for sharing your story. ❤

[@fikanera838]

What a beautiful tradition! Thankyou for the opportunity to hear Agnes' story. I'm originally from Australia, & we have a similar, tragic history of the stolen generation of children who were forcibly removed from their families, & grew up not knowing their traditions.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much Fi for your comment. It's truly so tragic what has been happening to Indigenous and Aboriginal people all over the world. I am an ethnic minority myself and sadly my own ancestors have gone through similar assimilation policies all throughout history, it's an incredibly heartbreaking thing that needs more awareness brought to it.

[@KateeAngel]

@@VBirchwood hello! I am from Russia, can I ask which ethnic group you are from? Btw, I have once watched a wonderful lecture by Canadian professor about Ket people of Siberia, and he explained that they went through similar experience with boarding schools, albeit not as brutal as with catholic schools in Canada, but still oppressive. They also are related to Native Americans in a way.

[@KateeAngel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2GWfmWsnc9jpa8 That is the lecture. It is very great. Professor is Edward Vajda

[@VBirchwood]

@@KateeAngel hi! I’m a Tatar/Cossack but I find I relate a lot more to the Tatar side 🥰 definitely many ethnic groups in Russia have gone through horrific experiences, and many still are today too sadly

[@Namiyasi]

In my country (Colombia) we have different indigenous tribes and some of them still dress with their traditional clothes. (I really enjoyed the video, thank you ❤️)

[@VBirchwood]

That's incredibly beautiful and meaningful I'm sure ❤️ Thanks for your comment 😊

[@freidacordoba5101]

Yes! This was fantastic. Thank you for highlighting this. As a Canadian non-indigenous, for me it’s important to support the reconciliation movement in Canada and I love learning about indigenous dressmaking. I think it’s one way of respecting Indigenous traditions. Loving your content in general but this was great to see.

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed watching this video Freida! 😊

[@gratituderanch9406]

If people can wear advertising cloths (think Nike, Adidas etc) there is NOTHING wrong with the dress of heritage and culture. I think its sooo much more appreciated and honorable than T shirts with advertising for massive companies. Beautiful skirts

[@marjohnsmusings3222]

Thank you so much for this video. My mom was #MMIW in 1968. I have been following the jingle skirt dancers. Fearing murder events like hers, my grandmother Mary, an American Boarding School survivor, tried to help me pass as a white person my entire childhood. All of her native American wisdom teachings were private, to be kept secret. I am 1/8 Indiginous and I was taught to hide my mixed blood identity for my very survival. I did not receive my adult name until Grandmother Mecci named me; Walks with Honor, in 2006. Black women at the International Women's Writing Guild, IWWG, congratulated me for having the courage to wear my long braids. My grandmother grew her hair to her waist and wore two braids, plaited in three strands, to be mindful each day of Body, Mind and Spirit. Since long hair was fashionable among white girls in the 60s and 70s, I never understood hair cut shaming of indigenous women, my Grandmother and her classmates endured. I have been wanting to make my own clothing for a while but history bounding, although fascinating, did not appeal to me personally. I now know; I am going to make myself an eight stripe ribbon skirt. There will be a bright red one for me, a maroon one in memory of my mom, a yellow one for Grandma Mary and a gold one for Walks with Carlson, my great Grandfather. Not sure about the other four ribbons yet, perhaps the four foundation colors. This video touched my heart, thank you again.

[@VBirchwood]

I’m so sorry for your loss! ❤️ thank you so much for telling your beautiful story

[@stevezytveld6585]

Thank you so much for amplifying Ms. Woodwards' talent, voice, vision and lived experiences. It was humbling to watch. She is such a talented creator. If she ever wants to start a YT channel... I have loved ribbon skirts since I was a child. Thank you for sharing the teachings. Just out of curiosity - have you heard of The Red Dress Project? It's an ongoing collaborative installation art piece to call attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Mete and Inuit Women and Children. People have been creating red dresses and hanging them from trees. To remind anyone who sees them of the people who are gone. Maybe it's something we could look at as a Community? - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown/Pimisi

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for your comment Cathy! I have heard of the REDress project, though I did admittedly have to do some reading up on it again because I couldn’t quite remember a lot of the details, so thanks for the reminder. I’ll have to think about how this community might contribute to the project as perhaps something could be done.

[@stevezytveld6585]

@@VBirchwood In allot of ways there's a natural fit. And it gets the stories out there for people to hear (and, if we're lucky, listen). After this past year I'm thinking the Community needs to do some work towards reconciliation. Maybe here's a place to start.

[@kimmo4674]

Thank you for giving Agnes a space to share her story. She is so talented and I feel blessed to be able to learn and educate myself through her speaking, it is truly a wonderful thing! She opened up and shared very vulnerable experiences, my heart is with hers ♥️

[@VBirchwood]

It was my pleasure Kimm! I agree, Agnes is such a talented individual and hearing her wisdom was really such a beautiful and enlightening experience. I'm so grateful she agreed to share her story and vulnerable experiences with everyone on this channel ❤️

[@sukar120]

Thank you for doing this and highlighting Agnes and her work. And thank you to Agnes for sharing your story with us 🧡

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for your kind comment sukark! 😊

[@HosCreates]

Agnes , I'm sorry you experienced racism. You are a gorgeous woman of strength and power !I honor you for taking your power back and I cry happy tears for you .

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for watching and for your comment 🥰

[@papercranes7230]

Her creations are just gorgeous. I really admire and look up to indigenous cultures for thinking of garments not just in a way where it’s seen as an object but more. Imagine if we were all like that. (Sorry if that didn’t make sense or sounded dumb)

[@sarahbettany7546]

Thank you V. Birchwood for this interview and Agnes Woodward for sharing your story.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for your comment and appreciations Sarah 😊

[@linr8260]

Thank you for doing this interview, and thank you to Agnes for taking part and telling her about her experiences. I hope you can both thrive.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you very much Lin 😊

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

I'm so glad this video found me. Thank you, Vasi, for this interview and sharing Agnes and her work. Hooray for self-taught sewists! Agnes's discussion of color reminds me of my grandmother's color choices in her sewing and crochet work. They didn't make sense to me as a child, but now I wonder if they were inspired by her indigenous heritage and I wish I could ask her.

[@VBirchwood]

That’s so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad it found you 🥰

[@DoingStuffWithDiana]

It broke my heart that she said it’s a plus that she’s able to pursue her passion without resistance…. That tells me she has seen a world where her and her family constantly fought resistance just trying to be themselves. So it’s sad to see it’s almost a shock to her that she’s able to pursue her passion with nothing but encouragement from everyone. 🥺

[@theglitterballlifestyle675]

Now that my phones done being a pain😭 This is so well thought out and informative of her story. The folk willing to share their stories about this are so strong, and important in making things better and healing generational scars. I’m so glad Agnes was able to learn her crafts and is willing to share its phenomal💕

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much!! 💕

[@espeon871]

I'm so happy that youre very inclusive and care enough to put tws and interviewing people who may not be very well known to more prominence. Her art is gorgeous and i'm so happy through craft, she gets to keep her culture and preserve and connect to it. ❤

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@watsonmelon6575]

Thank you for telling this story, it's so important to hear

[@VBirchwood]

It's my pleasure, and I agree!

[@SimpleDesertRose]

Thank you so much Agnes for sharing your story with us. I always find it fascinating to learn about different cultures. I know that here in the US that there are still a lot of indigenous peoples who still do not trust the white man and for good reason. Still there are others who are able to go out into society today and have no issues with anyone else. My husband once worked with an indigenous gentlemen. He was a very nice fellow and really funny. He always had the best jokes. He once said he used to get in trouble all the time as a kid for being the class clown. Drove his grandmother who helped raise him crazy. I think its great that we as society have come far enough to start fixing the wrongs of the past by being more excepting today. My own German great grandfather fought against the Nazi's in WWII and came home to from the war only to have to loose his German culture and never speak a lip of German again. It must have been hard to be accused of being a Nazi for simply being born German. Still no mater what anyone's heritage or skin color I do my best to be nice to everyone. We all have a history, good or bad. Some of us know what its like to be put upon because we are different in some way. Agnes' story is truly inspiring. So much being said in her skirts. Its a very powerful and beautiful message to the world. I hope to see these ribbon skirts become something of a fashion statement amongst the indigenous women. I think it would be a beautiful message to the world about a people who were once beaten down and lost so much managed to rise from the ashes like the mythological phoenix. I would love to see them share their culture with the world.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for your comment DesertRose 💕 Indigenous people are indeed so incredibly resilient, and hearing their stories, like the one Agnes shared, makes me so deeply appreciative for their wise teachings and traditions.

[@SimpleDesertRose]

@@VBirchwood I completely agree. I have nothing but respect for them as a people. In spite of all the repression from the white man, they have managed to hang on and some even even held onto their history. While the past is not something that is easy to look at, i believe it is very important. How are we to change and grow as a society as humans, if we don't look at history and learn from it. Both the good and the bad. If true past makes you uncomfortable all the better. The mire likely you are to make changes to make a better future. People like the indigenous Americans deserve to be recognized and to be seen as humans. Because in the end that's all we really are. Just human. We all have hopes and dreams for the future. We all bleed red. See you next week Vasi ❤

[@VBirchwood]

@@SimpleDesertRose agreed, valuing all as human is so important. See you next week 😊

[@melsmith110]

I really enjoyed hearing Agnes' story and so glad you held an interview. I wasn't aware that all these things were going on and so sorry to hear it, though I don't know the details. I may not know all they went through but I can identify with the pain, having grown up in an abusive home. Her courage to make her art and expression of what matters to her intrigues me to apply more of what matters to me in my own arts. Thank you again for all that you share with the world.

[@VBirchwood]

I’m so sorry you experienced abuse Mel ❤️ thank you for your kind words about this video 😊

[@melsmith110]

@@VBirchwood 🌹🌹Thank you for your kindness!

[@fredinsmide8714]

When i see things like this i realy feel as i am living under a rock, I had nver heard of those residential schools. Always nice to see living ethnic clothing, no matter what the ethicity. So thank you for not just doing videos on western womens historical fashion. I very much apreciate it.

[@foxgloved8922]

Wow, this makes me want to learn more about my own indigenous heritage. Thank you both.

[@cincocats320]

Really great interview. You did a fantastic job of giving Agnes Woodward space to tell her story in her own words and not talking over her.

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! I think that’s the most important thing you can do when interviewing someone is just give them space to speak 😊

[@MiahGrace]

Suwanwa Nela, and this is such a powerful interview! I've been following Agnes for a while so it was a ton of fun to get to see her chat with you! Neawei! ❤️

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Miah! 💕

[@LiljaHusmo]

Thank you Agnes and Vasi for such an emotional and educational interview ❤️❤️

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Lilja ❤️

[@melissel5648]

I must admit I wasn't expecting you to talk about this topic but I am SO happy you did, such a great surprise !!!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Mélisse! Indigenous Peoples rights is something I feel really strongly about because I am an ethnic minority and this is a topic that needs continued awareness brought to it, in order to preserve the beautiful cultural practices and heritage of Indigenous Peoples globally.

[@melissel5648]

@@VBirchwood That makes sense! That's a topic I've always felt strongly about too, it's infuriating that it's talked so little about in Europe and that what happened and is still happening today to Indigenous peoples in many part of the world is still not recognized by many as the genocide that it is...

[@melissel5648]

@@VBirchwood Thanks for speaking about it ❤

[@VBirchwood]

@@melissel5648 ​ @Mélisse L That's exactly it, it is a genocide. And I, too, don't understand why it isn't seen as such.

[@VBirchwood]

@@melissel5648 It's my pleasure ❤️

[@melaniearison1209]

My grandmother was an orphan train passenger. I've been trying to trace her to where she came from, for 25yrs.

[@carolinemaluca]

Agnes is very talented! I’m in love with her skirts! 😍 Very beautiful!

[@VBirchwood]

I agree! Her creations are so lovely 😊

[@petapendlebury9024]

What an interesting chat. The ribbon skirts are beautiful but the one with buffalo seriously spoke to me. Beautiful and powerful. ❤💙💚

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Peta! I love the buffalo one as well, absolutely gorgeous and meaningful.

[@oddgoddess3877]

Omg thank you so much for doing this. We as indigenous people are rarely represented. Especially in historical costume/fashion.

[@VBirchwood]

My pleasure! I try my best to feature as many marginalised voices as I can ❤️

[@ashleymaxwell341]

I love you got an interview with her!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks Ashley! It was such an honour 😊

[@kaygoodman8848]

Thank you for sharing your history! I am so happy to of met all of you!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much Kay!

[@maryannedaugherty8722]

Beautiful lady! I had never heard of ribbon skirts. Amazing.

[@augustwogsland3309]

Thank you so much for doing this interview and sharing it and thank you to Agnes for sharing her story. Her work is so beautiful

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for watching! Her work is truly stunning 🥰

[@CaraTheStrange]

After watching this video I really want to look more into native american cultures and histories. Native cultures from across the globe are faccinating to me especially since colonisation tried to wipe them out.

[@VBirchwood]

That’s wonderful! I’m very fascinated by Indigenous cultures and practices myself.

[@Summerain423]

A woman after my own heart. Absolutely love your channel

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much 😊 ❤️

[@zebraskin]

I found this channel today and can't stop watching but this video made cry, and so many great organizations were brought up. Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful soul. In the last few years I've been trying to learn more about the indigenous women in my family. On my mom's side they really white washed the history. I grew up hearing the basic history, then when my aunts started doing our family tree and were confused about not really finding anyone, however I'm a tad better at such things and have found the reason why is because they adopted European names. While I have found many of their original names and the basic stories (my moms side had been in the same small town for 300 years so a lot of family history has been kept) a lot of the traditions are lost and me being a sewing history nut I hate that. However on the otherside (dads side) my aunt is still involved with their tribe and she does do a lot of traditional bead and leather work that I hope soon I'm able to learn more from. Although tribes vary in many ways I'm always happy to see indigenous women having a light shown on them and their teachings (in many ways besides sewing). I can't wait to see what Mrs. Woodward does in the future.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for watching, for your comment, and for sharing your story 🥰

[@melindar.911]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful interview.

[@maverickfox4102]

It’s always important for every parent and both older and current generation to pass down the culture to the future generations.

[@VBirchwood]

I agree! Sadly it isn’t easy for many parents, especially Indigenous peoples or colonised ethnic minorities, because a lot of their own practices and traditions get stripped away from them and banned, or they’re even prosecuted for them.

[@Dominika-ry5re]

Amazing interview! Agnes is such a great speaker and artist, I'm so impressed with her story and the beautiful designs she creates. I can't wait for more videos about Indigenous dressmaking.

[@VBirchwood]

Couldn't agree more about Agnes! 🥰 So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@carolyng5235]

Your interviews are always interesting and high quality. Well done!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you so much Carolyn! 😊

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Fantastic that you are honoring and showcasing this! (As usual, just going through inbox, rn. Hope to listen "soon")

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Catherine 😊

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@VBirchwood you are welcome 🙂

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

This interview was wonderful as well as hard. Thank you

[@sophieross399]

I was so excited to see this video! I learned so much. Can't wait to check out Agnes and her work!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for your comment! Agnes’s work is so beautiful and powerful 😊

[@user-tk4gr9zo7t]

My heart is exploding with happiness right now 💖

[@VBirchwood]

I’m so glad 🙂

[@terpinator24]

Thank you to both of you for sharing such a heartfelt and significant topic!

[@lauralake7430]

Its wonderful how sewing can help heal us. I never experienced anything like residential school, thank you for sharing your dads story

[@alixlatour899]

If I could like this video 10 000 times, I would. Thank you for bringing someone on your channel to share! Migwetch Agnes!

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@Corina_Simpson]

I'm Seneca Iroquois but I'm not part of any official tribe because I've been too far diluted because of who my mom and grandmother had kids with. I wish I could.

[@VBirchwood]

I'm so sorry to hear that you aren't able to be in an official tribe. Sending hugs 💕

[@mariehavlickova4702]

Love sending your way ❤❤❤ thank you

[@anneshirley3786]

Thank you!! Such wonderful knowledge!

[@indiabilly]

This is a powerful story, thank you for sharing her voice

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much, Tabitha, for watching!

[@MrsCelesteB]

❤I’m nehiyahwak🎉 I love your channel too! So happy to see this!

[@VBirchwood]

How wonderful! So glad you love the channel 🥰

[@litha1973]

I am also nehiyaw (nehithaw) just lighter and mixed from north. I love this video, I also make ribbon skirts and ribbon shirts, among other clothes. I hope her father got his home.

[@VBirchwood]

So glad you enjoyed the video Adrienne! 🥰

[@fishinwidow35]

She does such beautiful work. I love applique and hers is very unique.

[@ericalarochelle3779]

Do you have any more information on the construction process? From Agnes' in progress skirt, it appears to me that there is a base fabric that is decorated with ribbons and appliqué and the skirt gathered into the waistband.

[@VBirchwood]

I don't unfortunately! But I know the ribbons are held together with a zigzag stitch and I'm not certain whether they have a base of broadcloth or another material, or if it is just ribbon with no other layer. But the fabric is cut A-line, which I'm guess would mean less gathering at the waist, but my assumption is probably there is still some gathering involved. Just my guess though 😊

[@yippeeflowers]

it varies depending on maker, materials, who will wear it, and what it's for.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

Absolutely wonderful work

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you Catherine 😊

[@kaitlynnp582]

I would love any suggestions of places to donate funds, as I'm late to helping Agnes's father. I grew up in a town on the edge of the Colleville Indian Reservation. I don't want to say I don't believe the news about residential schools, because sadly, it's as expected of the catholic church. I am horrified, and I want to try and help. BTW, Agnes, you're absolutely stunning. Your heart and your appearance are just so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for wanting to help! I’ve asked Agnes now for an alternate charity and will let you know as soon as I hear back 🥰

[@VBirchwood]

So Agnes has a gofundme for her father! I’ve now added the link into the pinned comment 😊

[@ernestvenn8291]

My Grandmother would tell stories about how bad the Catholic school where and I now can believe them. She and her sister were immigrants from Ukraine and who knows what the indigenous children went through at the boarding schools.

[@VBirchwood]

Yes, unfortunately horrific things happened at these Catholic boarding schools/residential schools, when in reality it would’ve been best to leave an already beautiful and thriving culture completely alone. And we really only have the reports of those who survived the ordeal, which has another level of tragedy to it.

[@nevem5010]

Thank you both 💕.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks for watching Neve 😊

[@kristinaasimova601]

Amazing, thank you ❤

[@MrsCelesteB]

It has taken me a few times to finish this video. It is triggering, but so beautiful! 😔😍 Thank you so much! I will occupy my space without shame. Thats the craziest thing ive said all year!!🥰😭😭😭😭😭

[@VBirchwood]

I love that! Please do occupy your space without shame. What a beautiful statement ❤️

[@dianequinn3600]

Beautiful interview!

[@BrianPeiris]

Thanks!

[@mienafriggstad3360]

🙋‍♀️ Hi from North Battleford, Saskatchewan 🇨🇦. I'm a fairly new subscriber to your channel; I found you through Abby Cox.

[@VBirchwood]

Hi! Welcome to the channel! Thanks for being here 🥰

[@annewrites...8385]

Thank you :)

[@asmaa_6042]

Great video! Thank you both :)

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you for your comment 😊

[@giselemascarellisalgado2207]

Love it. ❤

[@cadileigh9948]

Hmn Sounds like the sending of children to Australia that happened in the UK not so long ago. Once processed through the schools they were sent to work for settlers and basicly slaves

[@VBirchwood]

Sadly these types of events have occurred all over the world and throughout so many different communities. It's horribly tragic.

[@vanessaknight7129]

Thanks for the interview I really learned alot.

[@VBirchwood]

Thanks so much for watching 😄

[@lunarotimas]

she said they were recording her dad's stories? any idea where to hear/see that?

[@robinsiciliano8923]

That was amazing!

[@VBirchwood]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed 🥰

[@stephaniesmith91ss]

I wanna learn just basic ribbon skirts. 😅 im horrible currently with a sewing machine. I'm hoping to get better.

[@MegaLivingIt]

That was so awful and wrong to do to Indian people. Growing up they were my best friends in public school in Phoenix Arizona and California.🧡

[@pyenygren2299]

A comment for the important algorithm.

[@haikuoflife]

While ribbon dresses are a part of many indigenous cultures, doesn't it stem from Spanish influence?