Events & Presentations

Hudson’s Bay Blanket Mittens – Crafternoon Series

Date/Time
Date(s) - 23/01/2027
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2027

Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm (3 hours)

Tickets: $60/person, ages 15+

Join Métis Knowledge Keeper / Elder Joy Bremner for a Métis cultural workshop at Nanaimo Museum! On Saturday, January 23 from 12:30-3:30pm, Joy will lead participants in creating their own pair of mittens made from Hudson’s Bay blankets.

Starting with a practice patch, students will learn four basic embroidery stitches and how to apply beads before beginning their first mitten. Participants can expect to complete or nearly complete one mitten by the end of the workshop and leave with the skills and materials to finish the other at home.

Participants will learn some of the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company in the early days of the Métis and the range of impacts on the Métis culture. These Hudson’s Bay Blanket Mittens explore the blended decorative skills learned from the Grey Nuns and the First Nations used in the cultural creation of their own Métis decorative patterns.

All materials will be provided. No experience necessary.

Ages: 15+

Tickets: $60 per person, and pre-registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable to other dates or programs. A minimum of 10 guests is required for this program to proceed.

Joy Bremner, Métis Knowledge Keeper / Elder

Joy was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, both of her parents Métis. The Métis Culture has been with her throughout her life, as well as many First Nations friends while living across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon and then settling on Vancouver Island.

Mentored by numerous Métis Old Ones (Elders) within many communities, Joy has shared her Métis cultural knowledge at Gatherings, workshops, and educational institutes with Métis youth and the general public. Joy practices a wide range of activities, including beading, porcupine quill work, moose hair tufting, leather-work, traditional foods, medicines, weaving, and the list goes on.

IMPORTANT PAYMENT INFORMATION:

Although online payment is made through PayPal, a PayPal account is not required, only a credit card or debit card. Please note that there will be no physical ticket issued. Your spot in this program is confirmed once you have the PayPal transaction confirmation. Registration can also be made over the phone or in person.

If you have difficulties with the online system, please call the front desk during business hours (10-4, Tues-Sat) for assistance: 250-753-1821.

Can’t make this date work for your schedule? Try another in the Crafternoon Series:

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