This is the first year for the Beadwork Celebration sponsored by SAFE Harbor. April is the month SAFE Harbor “partners with different organizations to encourage a better understanding of the challenges faced by survivors” of sexual assault and their families, according to a press release by the organization.

The group draws a parallel between the resiliency and culture of beadwork with the strength and community it takes to heal and keep living life.

Beaded treasures were displayed on tables around the Sherri McDonald Room in the Joe McDonald Event Center on the Salish Kootenai College campus on April 13.

Beaders who displayed their contemporary work included Angelique Albert, Kim Barber, Allison Grant and Joelfre Grant. Items from private collections were on display, as well as heirlooms from the Finley family.

Two items of regalia, with bright orange, pink and yellow beaded flowers sewn on worn black velvet with tiny stitches, were beaded by Frank Finley’s great grandmother Mary Eneas in the 1940’s and worn by his dad, Octave Finley. A necktie-shaped piece with an orange flower on a white background was made by Frank’s grandmother, Mary Catherine.

Other beaded pieces – mustard-colored cuffs centered with a red arrow, a medallion made by an aunt, Anglique Matt , a beaded stick barrette made by Frank’s mother Edna – filled the Finley table. Sometimes family members had to retrieve beaded heirlooms from pawn shops when someone stole an item and then pawned it.

Beading is a skill that’s passed from person to person, sometimes from older to younger, sometimes laterally from young people to friends.

“Edna learned (to bead) from Dad’s sister,” Frank said, and in later life formed Edna’s beading group at the People’s Center.

“Miranda beads; my stepson’s girlfriend Crystal beads,” Frank explained. “Laurie (Frank’s wife) makes little beadie things.”

Beaders persevere, and as the Beading Celebration revealed, the loveliness, imagination, and strength of their work lasts for generations.