Student-led learning in poppy beading at Bishop Lloyd

Bishop Lloyd students are learning to make poppies by beading. The art is being handed on by Lloyd Comp student, Sadey Bruce.

For grade 6 student, Palmer Kohlruss, the activity in the school’s maker-space room was her first time at beading.

“I feel like its creativity and it’s a lot of fun doing it. And it’s also for Remembrance Day.”

As the students make the poppies to honour those who served in various capacities, the contributions of Indigenous service members in things like using the Cree language during World War II as a code to disguise Allied communications is another area that comes to mind.

Sadey Bruce who is also a Small Fires Indigenous mentor has been beading for two years.

“I love teaching the kids and showing them how to bead. It’s one of my favourite hobbies.

Bruce is working on several poppies and orange shirt pins.

“I have been having people order from me, so I’m just doing those as they come.”

She says, “Beading teaches humility, like not everything is perfect. It’s also about honouring my culture and the people who fought in the wars.”