About
About Waabishki Miigwan Creations
Waabishki Miigwan Creations was born out of a passion for creating beautiful beadwork pieces. Waabishki Miigwan means 'white feather' in Anishinaabemowin, and comes from part of Shannon's spirit name.
Shannon, the owner and artisan behind the brand, was introduced to leather, hide, and beadwork through workshops with the University of Alberta Aboriginal Student Council (2012-2023), Manitobah Mukluks Storyboot School (2016), Ka Ni Kanichihk's Restoring the Sacred (2016-2017), and Seven Oaks Métis local (2020-2021). She began beading regularly during the COVID 19 lock-downs of 2020, and found a real passion for it. After beading many gifts for Christmas 2020, and hearing interest in purchasing her work, she began her business, Waabishki Miigwan Creations, in January 2021.
Beadwork began as a way for Shannon to connect with her Métis heritage, and has allowed Shannon to connect with an incredibly supportive online community of Indigenous beadworkers across turtle island, as well as in-person locally in Manitoba.
Teaching beadwork through workshops felt like a natural addition to her business, as Shannon has worked in the field of informal education since 2008. She had a full-circle experience when she began facilitating beading workshops for Seven Oaks Métis local, where she first learned many techniques.
The vision behind Waabishki Miigwan Creations is to create 'beadwork with community in mind.' Community to Shannon means both human and non-human community.
About Shannon Tara Kalić
Shannon is French and Métis on her mother's side, and Ukrainian and Polish on her father's. Her Métis roots come from the Champagne, Legal, Ducharme, Beauchamp, Cyr, Huppé, Gladu, and Gray families, with ties to Ste. Anne, Lorette, and St. Boniface. She is also a descendant of Louis Riel's non-Indigenous grandparents, Jean Baptiste Lagimodière and Marie-Anne Gaboury.
Shannon is a registered citizen of the Manitoba Métis Federation, and has worked and mentored with Indigenous-led non-profits and groups for years. In addition to beading, Shannon enjoys spending time outside, harvesting and gardening native plants, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, gaming, reading, traveling, and attending Indigenous community events and gatherings.
Shannon holds a Master of Museum Education (University of British Columbia 2014). She is experienced in program creation and facilitation (paleontology, natural history/biology, Indigenous cultures, anti-racism), and has led beading workshops (virtual and in-person) for all ages with school groups, professional development groups, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Poco Inspired Bead Store, Gimli Ice Festival, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries staff, and Métis locals.
Awards + Recognition
Winnipeg Women's Conference - 2024 Nominee Program Recipient
Canadian Choice Award Winner 2025 - Jewelers in Winnipeg
CRAFTED 2025 Official Selection for the Show + Sale and the Living Lookbook + Catwalk
Where to Buy
The Leaf Gift Shop at Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Find an ever-changing variety of Waabishki Miigwan Creations earrings for sale in the Leaf giftshop, focusing on the beauty of nature.
Daily: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm*
*The gift shop is closed during biome closures for display changes. See Leaf hours of operation for upcoming closure dates.
Red River Métis Marketplace - 150 Henry avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Find a selection of Waabishki Miigwan Creations earrings, beaded hats, and sash keychains in traditional Métis patterns and colours.
Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Shop online 24/7