Student threading the design Traditional Beading Workshop Connects Students to Seneca Culture
ANGOLA, NY
Students at Lake Shore Senior High School recently participated in a hands-on cultural arts workshop focused on the preservation of Seneca culture through traditional Iroquois raised beadwork. The session was led by the mother and daughter team of Mary and Samantha Jacobs, who visited the school to share their expertise in indigenous art and language resources.
Cultural Preservation Through Art
The workshop provided a space for students to hone artistic skills while learning about the history of the Seneca culture. Mary Jacobs, who creates traditional Iroquois raised beadwork inspired by her culture, and Samantha Jacobs, who develops cultural arts programming for the community, worked directly with students to demonstrate the techniques required for this specific style of artistry.
Beyond the technical instruction, the Jacobs team worked to inspire students to continue important cultural traditions. By engaging in these classes, students are helping to share and maintain the legacy of their community's culture through education and art.
Handmade for Mother's Day
The timing of the workshop allowed students to apply their skills toward a personal project: creating handmade pins for Mother's Day. These items are a tangible result of the collaboration between our Native American Academic and Cultural Coordinator, Suzanne McGough, and community educators to bring authentic learning experiences into the classroom.
