COVID-19 task force mandated the closure of non-essential businesses and barred household visits at the end of December, Jessica Hernandez set out to bring her community together in the best way she knew how — through beadwork.“Beading is a medicine,” said Hernandez, owner of Nicia’s Accessories in Kahnawà:ke.Raised beadwork is an artisanal art form native to the Iroquois that dates back centuries.
The 37-year-old business owner encouraged locals to take up a crafty challenge — beading an elaborate pattern she designed herself.“I’ll try it, I’ll try anything once and I Ioved it.