AutismBC Goes: Beading with Métis Artist Shyla Elgie

Join us for a hands-on beading workshop where participants will create their own neurodiversity pins under the guidance of Shyla Elgie, a talented Cree/Métis beadwork artist. During this interactive event, Shyla will share her knowledge and passion for beading, a skill she embraced to reconnect with her Indigenous roots.  

Participants can work with Czech beads in two sizes: 10/0 for detailed work or 6/0 for easier handling, ensuring accessibility for all skill levels. Shyla will guide everyone through the beading process, supporting participants as they create their unique neurodiversity pins. At the end of the session, you’ll take home your completed pin as a meaningful and beautiful keepsake—free of charge. 

Whether you’re an experienced beader or new to this art form, this event is an opportunity to create, connect, and celebrate diversity together. Explore the intersection of art, identity, and community while crafting a symbol of neurodiversity to take home proudly! 

Event details

When: Dec. 14, 2024 from 12-4 PM with wellness breaks 

Where: AiMHi Prince George (Gymnasium), 950 Kerry Street, Prince George (Google Maps Link)

Who: AutismBC Members.

Although this event focuses on Indigenous autistic community members of all ages, we welcome others who would like to attend. 

• A parent, caregiver, or support person is welcome to accompany registered participants.
• Attendance is capped at 18 participants to maintain a relaxed and engaging experience. 

What: This event will unite Indigenous autistic community members to create beading projects in a culturally sensitive environment led by Métis Artist Shyla Elgie.  

All beading supplies will be provided at no cost to registered participants, and light refreshments will be available for everyone in attendance.  

Event Agenda:

For the day, the agenda will look something like this: 

• Introduction of coordinator and facilitator (5 min) 
• Land acknowledgement (2 min) 
• Invitation for guests to introduce themselves and share where they are from (20 min) 
• Housekeeping: Location of washrooms, exits, etc. (3 min) 
• Opportunity for guests to get food and drinks (5 min) 
• Instructions and visual demonstrations for the beading projects (10 min) 
• Begin working on beading projects together: Individualized help available (15 minutes) 
• Wellness break: Scheduled for 1 PM (15 min) 
• More beading (45 minutes) 
• Wellness break: Schedule for 2 PM (15 min) 
• More beading (45 minutes) 
• Wellness break: Scheduled for 3 PM (15 min) 
• More beading (30 min) 
• Workshop closing remarks (15 min) 

We want to thank Shyla Elgie for generously volunteering her time and experience to lead this event and AiMHi for donating the space to host this event gathering. 

Registration Details:

• Please register only the participants who will be beading. Parents or caregivers do not need to register unless they are also participating. 
• Please indicate any dietary sensitivities or allergies during registration to ensure accommodations can be made.
• You must be an AutismBC Member to register for this event. Not yet a member? Sign-up here: Join now.

If you’re having difficulties with your login, please email us at [email protected].

About the Facilitator:

Shyla Elgie (she/her), Cree/Métis Beadwork Artist

Shyla is a Cree/Métis beadwork artist with family ties to the Fort McKay First Nation and is a Metis citizen through Metis Nation BC. Shyla was raised away from her Indigenous community in an urban area and is grateful to have settled in Prince George on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh.

Shyla learned to bead three years ago as a way of reconnecting and rediscovering her Indigenous culture and history. Shyla is a self-taught beadwork artist but has learned many techniques along the way from other talented Indigenous artists.

Shyla balances the use of contemporary and traditional beadwork designs and techniques along with the use of traditional materials in her work. Shyla is constantly inspired by ancestor pieces, historical beadwork pieces that are often found in museums, art galleries, and personal collections. These designs heavily influence Shyla’s work through materials, colour, and pattern choices. Shyla strives to keep our traditions alive through her beadwork that can be shared with future generations.

Shyla’s work has been displayed at the Amelia Douglas Institute and Omineca Arts Centre along with various online group exhibitions. Shyla facilitates beading workshops with Indigenous non-profits to share cultural knowledge and traditions while engaging youth.

About AutismBC Goes:

At AutismBC Goes events, we aim to foster a sense of community and belonging, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation. By organizing engaging outings and activities, we offer opportunities for autistic individuals and their families to connect and have a supportive environment.