Many First Peoples have long practiced beadwork. This art has particular significance for two Iroquois nations, the Kanien’kehà:ka and the Tuscaroras, who live on the American side of Niagara Falls.

This PDF Teacher’s Guide (originally a website) contains background information on beading. Towards the end of the PDF, you will find a collection of learning activities. Teachers and consultants developed it in partnership with the McCord Museum and the Kanien’kehaka Raotitiohkwa Cultural Center.

Please be aware that this resource was developed in the early 2000s. As such, the language used to refer to Nations (such as Mohawk) may need to be adjusted. We encourage educators to use the terminology preferred by the respective communities today, such as Kanien’kehà:ka for the Mohawk Nationgroupe de personnes qui partage la même culture et le même mode de vie..., to reflect the ongoing process of name reclamation.

You may also want to visit the Iroquois Beadwork Kids’ Zone section of our site, which accompanies this project.