Heart Berry Bling

On a visit to her granny, Maggie learns about perseverance through her first beading project. As they work, Granny shares how beading helped her stay connected to her Anishinaabe culture when she lost her Indian status. In this illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of beadwork, the strawberry teachings, and the Indian Act.

On a visit to her granny, Maggie is excited to begin her first-ever beading project: a pair of strawberry earrings. However, beading is much harder than she expected! As they work side by side, Granny shares how beading helped her persevere and stay connected to her Anishinaabe culture when she lost her Indian status, forcing her out of her home community—all because she married someone without status, something the men of her community could do freely.

As she learns about patience and perseverance from her granny’s teachings, Maggie discovers that beading is a journey, and like every journey, it’s easier with a loved one at her side.

In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act.