The Art of Beading: A Living Tradition

In our culture, the Qauruti is more than a headband—it’s a symbol of who we are and where we come from. Worn proudly across the Kivalliq region, especially in our home community of Arviat, the Qauruti is a deeply meaningful part of how we express identity, pride, and belonging.

Many of us remember watching our mothers, grandmothers, and aunties carefully bead each one by hand. Every Qauruti carries stories—woven into its patterns, its colours, and the steady hands that made it. They are worn during drum dances, gatherings, celebrations, and whenever we want to honour our traditions and carry our culture visibly. Some Qauruti are made with traditional patterns passed down over generations. Others are personalized with syllabics, names, or designs that speak to who we are today.

This year, we’ve been learning to make Qauruti through hands-on teaching from Elders, family members, and community artists who generously share their knowledge. Beading is a slow, intentional process that teaches patience, precision, and care—values that are deeply rooted in our way of life. Each bead we add connects us to generations before us, and every finished piece becomes something we can pass on. By teaching youth how to bead and create their own Qauruti, we’re keeping our culture alive and ensuring that this knowledge doesn’t fade. It’s not just about making something beautiful—it’s about reclaiming identity, building confidence, and honouring where we come from.

Whether old or new in style, the meaning stays the same: it connects us to each other, to our ancestors, and to the land. Today, more and more youth are learning how to make and wear Qauruti. It’s part of how we keep our culture strong—not just by remembering, but by practicing, sharing, and living it.

When we wear our Qauruti, we’re not just decorating ourselves. We’re honouring our roots with dignity and showing the world that our culture is alive, proud, and continuing.