Plains Soul
Reclaiming the Sisterhood of the Tuppie
Materials: Melton wool, wool yarn, poly-cotton, brass sequins, bells, harness leather, brain tan buckskin, cotton braid, nymo thread, Czech, Italian, and French beads
Following the Riel rebellion in 1885 the Canadian government began a policy of extermination of our sled dogs, expecting that the elimination of our transportation would also extinguish our ability to communicate camp to camp, believing taking our voice would take our way of life.
While this attempt failed to annihilate our culture, it did nearly eradicate the knowledge of generations of women who made the colorful and joyful sled dog blankets we call tuppies. I am fortunate to have regained this knowledge for my community along with a group of four other women in 2024. A grant provided some materials and a one-on-one month’s long course
Tuppies were put on our dogs when the men stopped to “dress up” themselves and their sleds just prior to arriving in a camp; the bells alerted inhabitants they were near.
My tuppie has a removable bell strap as they were a valuable trade good item and would have moved to hang on other gear or red river carts in the summer. The tie straps are longer on one side so they can easily be tied from one side of the harness dog. The beaded LST stands for Little Shell Tribe, the 574th federally recognized tribe in the United States. My patterns include some of my own and some very traditional florals. We have used wool yarn as trim on our projects almost as soon as we acquired wool and beads through trade.
My dark orange, yellow, blue and pink are antique and vintage beads a gift from a customer. I’m proud to say we are still here despite the best efforts of the Canadian and United States governments. I’m planning a tuppie class with four tribal members beginning in January.
On the move- Nokomis‘s remedies
Materials: Cowhide bag with brass findings, brain tan buckskin, brass sequins, cotton, felt, nymo thread, Czech, French and Italian beads, brass buttons, brass cones, horsehair, bells.
Interior materials: Vintage cotton, brass buttons, cotton, tin containers, brain tan buckskin, commodity cheese box, enamel cup, wood-matches, charcoal, beads. Rosehips, cat mint, Uuga, peppermint, bear root, man sage, yarrow, sweet grass, cedar, gumweed, knik knik.
I found this “Dr Bag” for $7.99 at Goodwill and knew we would be friends. I really had fun creating my traditional floral for the front piece which is beaded on felt and sewn onto the bag. As a tongue in cheek moment, I decided the bag should remain a vessel of healing which led me to put our sacred brother the powerful horse on the back. He is wearing a tie of well-being. These horse and florals were also beaded on felt and then sewn onto the bag
I gathered all the healing plants within from our place, some at the beginning of summer and some as late as October. I labeled each medicine and its frequent uses for my family.
Sewing my work on the bag was a challenge, but worth it, leaving this bag, ready to go on the move, carrying all your good intentions and good ways.
I included beads I’ve been hoarding, including some French and Italian antique vintage beauties.
