Cassidy, a talented Indigenous artisan from Prince Edward Island, is the heart behind Paqtism Beading, a beading business infused with the strength, resilience, and beauty of her Mi’kmaq heritage. Raised in a family affected by generational trauma from the Shubenacadie Residential School, Cassidy finds deep personal and cultural healing in her beadwork, which has allowed her to reclaim her culture and share it with others. Every creation is a celebration of her connection to her ancestry, expressed with care through her dedication to incorporating cultural elements—such as smudging, medicines, and the four sacred colors—into each piece.

Her journey with beadwork began only a few years ago, when she first taught herself the skill while working at the Mi’kmaq Family Resource Center. Driven by the need to deepen her connection to her culture, she crafted her first piece, a lanyard. In that creative process, Cassidy discovered that beading not only provided a sense of purpose and healing for herself but also opened a path to connect with others. This journey, she shares, was profoundly influenced by her friend Novalee, who introduced her to beading and inspired her to continue exploring this form of expression. The connections Cassidy has made with other artisans and beaders along her path have been equally impactful, with each relationship adding layers of insight, encouragement, and resilience to her journey.

The name Paqtism Beading is also a deeply meaningful choice. In Mi’kmaq, “Paqtism” translates to “wolf,” a nod to her Indigenous spirit name, Black Wolf Woman. When deciding on a name for her business, Cassidy felt that the connection to the wolf—an emblem of intuition, strength, and unity in many Indigenous cultures—was fitting. Embracing her spirit name in her work, she felt that “Paqtism Beading” was a natural reflection of the power and purpose behind her craft. Each item she creates embodies her commitment to honoring her culture and the spirit of the wolf, resonating with a sense of unity and resilience.

For Cassidy, being an Indigenous artisan means breaking free from the trauma that affected her ancestors, reclaiming her own power, and embracing her role as a culture-bearer. Through Paqtism Beading, she feels she is reclaiming a piece of her identity that was threatened and passing it forward to her community. By sharing her work and knowledge, she hopes to instill a sense of cultural pride and creativity in others, especially young people. Cassidy envisions a future where her beading can inspire future generations to connect with their Indigenous heritage and discover their own creativity.

Looking forward, Cassidy’s goal is to keep her passion alive in the purest way—by continuing to create meaningful pieces that reflect her culture and inspire those around her. She dreams of sharing her skills with the next generations, teaching beading as a path to connection and empowerment. In her view, creativity is a gift within everyone, one that has the potential to heal, inspire, and reconnect. Cassidy’s work with Paqtism Beading is not just about jewelry; it’s about rediscovering the power in her own hands and encouraging others to find strength in theirs. In each piece, she hopes to inspire a connection to Indigenous culture, a reminder of resilience, and an appreciation for the beauty of Mi’kmaq traditions.