Traditional crafting as a catalyst for Indigenous women’s intergenerational cohesion and wellness: a Canadian perspective

Abstract

Indigenous crafting practices are increasingly being recognised for their benefit to community connectedness, health, cultural identity, and individual wellbeing. This article explores published literature to determine the role of Indigenous crafting in transferring traditional and cultural teachings from female relatives and Elders to girls and younger women. We examine the effect of crafting on intergenerational cohesion and social connectedness within the Indigenous community. Does crafting serve as an effective conduit for physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental change in learners and teachers? Our review identifies 12 publications that describe Indigenous mostly girls and younger women’s experiences as they acquire female Elders’, teachers’ and older family members’ traditional and cultural teachings while participating in crafting activities. The papers identify an array of traditional and cultural activities including: basket weaving, beading, sewing, language acquisition, traditional songs, traditional dance, and storytelling. More contemporary forms of artistic expression such as photography, theatre and film production are also included. Research findings show that learning, teaching and practicing Indigenous crafting is associated with increased intergenerational cohesion, cultural connectedness, and wellbeing for both teachers and learners. Further, learning about Indigenous crafts and activities helps inspire pride in Indigenous identity and promotes healing from historical trauma.

Relationships between arts participation, social cohesion, and wellbeing: An integrative review and conceptual model

“…The review was undertaken with recognition that cultures around the world, particularly indigenous knowledge systems, have long understood and operationalized understanding of how art participation contributes to social cohesion and well-being in communities (56, 57). This indigenous understanding is articulated in a recent study in Canada, which reported that 53.7% of Indigenous residents surveyed reported that the arts are very important to social connection compared with 23.8% of non-Indigenous respondents.…”