Lydia Sturby – Maachi-waapikwaniiw (michif for starting to flower or beginning to bud) Chosing this as my beading/business is one way that I am beginning to explore my Metis culture.
Lydia has been passionately engaged in the art of beading for over four + years. Her journey into this creative world began when she enrolled in a class offered by the Seven Oaks Métis Local.
I love to be creative and have found great joy in seeing family, friends and strangers wearing my products. I make beaded accessories like earrings, lanyards, pins, etc. As well I teach beading classes through Louis Riel and River East Transcona School Divisions. I have also taught classes in a few southern rural community centers and done private in home parties for smaller groups upon request.
To be a Red River Métis entrepreneur is to embrace legacy rich with resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural pride. It means carrying forward the pioneering spirit of my ancestors, who navigated complex historical and social landscapes with ingenuity and determination. It is about honoring my heritage and the values of the Métis Nation: community, respect, and adaptability. This identity shapes not only how I conduct my business but also how I interact with my community and contribute to its growth and well-being. It’s a unique blend of cultural pride and entrepreneurial spirit, fostering a sense of purpose that transcends mere profit-making.