Spirit: 20 Years Later - Recovery and Healing

Nancy Kingbird

A homicide occurred in my life 20 years ago on September 24, 2005. My partner’s life was taken. It was a very difficult time for my family and friends.

This time was overwhelming for me, and I had to turn to my traditional arts and medicines to heal from this traumatic time. I turned to beading as an avenue for my recovery and personal healing.

The pieces I am sharing are proof that you can find positive ways to process those feelings and emotions from those traumatic times you’ve endured.

About the Artist

Nancy Kingbird (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) started beading when she was 10 years old. In the decades since, she has become well recognized in the region’s Indigenous community for her mastery of the art form. Her style, techniques and use of materials are distinct, and her work can be found in many private collections.