About us

Guided by Our Gifts: A Journey of Healing and Empowerment

Shekoli Swakweku! (Hello everyone!)

Yakotshanuni niyukyats—my Oneida name is Yakotshanuni. In English, I am Kathleen. I am Bear Clan and proudly Oneida from Oneida Nation of the Thames.

Welcome to my online shop. I’m so glad you’re here, not just to explore my work but to connect with the vision and purpose that guide me.

My beading journey began a decade ago during one of the most challenging times in my life. I turned to beading as a way to cope with a traumatic experience. At the time, I didn’t see myself as confident or capable, and I kept my beadwork close to my heart, gifting it only to those around me.

In 2021, the discovery of the children in unmarked graves at residential schools shattered my heart. In that profound sorrow, I picked up my beads again—not just as an act of creation, but as a step toward healing. Through every stitch and bead, I found a way to process my grief and honor my ancestors.

This experience ignited something powerful within me: a renewed understanding of the gifts I had been given and the responsibility to share them with the world. My beadwork became more than a personal practice—it became a way to build connections, tell stories, and inspire others.

Today, my dream is to see Indigenous youth across Turtle Island empowered to discover and nurture their own gifts. I’m especially passionate about supporting my home community, Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the surrounding communities. I believe that by helping youth embrace their unique talents, we can inspire a future where every person is Guided by Their Gifts—a future filled with happiness, passion, and purpose.

Every piece you find in my shop carries this vision. Each bead, each pattern, is a reminder of resilience, healing, and the boundless potential we hold within. When you support my work, you’re contributing to this dream and helping build a brighter, more empowered future for Indigenous youth.

Ya:w^ (Thank you) for walking this journey with me. Together, we are guided by our gifts.