Community Regalia Making
We are starting a regalia making group at the Indigenous Association in June. This is part of our mission to connect, unite, and strengthen the Indigenous community in the Fargo/Moorhead area. We want this space to be open to youth, adults, and elders. We have heard from both Fargo Public Schools and Moorhead Area Public Schools Indian Education departments that they need more regalia for the drum and dance programs that they do in their respective schools. We would like to open up the opportunity for youth and families throughout the regain to make their own regalia for this purpose and for community drum and dance events. We are offering the group with a suggested $25 material fee, but we do not want anyone to be left out if they are not able to afford the costs. This will also serve as an event that the Indigenous community can gather and socialize as well. We heard from many people in the community that are interested in this group, and believe it will be well attended. We currently have some material, access to 17 sewing machines, and 4000 sq feet of space at our location to hold this group. We are looking for funding to help cover the costs of initial supplies so we can get started right away and be sure there are materials for folks that are not able to afford the fee. We are hoping that both experienced and first time regalia makers will attend the group and this is a skill that can be passed down to the next generation. We have an experienced regalia maker that has agreed to help us with this project.