Beaded Drum Necklaces

media release: Join Menominee artist Yvette Peguero and learn how to create a beaded drum necklace! Participants will learn why the drum is important to Menominee culture and why it is considered the "heartbeat" of the people. Appropriate for kids ages 5 and older. All supplies provided. 

Registration is required. Registration opens two weeks before the program (10/30/24) at 9:00am. 

Yvette Peguero is an enrolled elder of the Menominee Nation. Before retirement a few years ago, Yvette taught for over 41 years as an Elementary Teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal for the Oneida Nation School System in Oneida, Wisconsin. As a child Yvette knew that one day she would become a teacher and would teach Native children. After moving to Madison, Yvette continues her love of teaching by working as a substitute teacher for the Madison School District, as the Tutor Coordinator for the Title VI Indian Education Program, and by teaching others to bead. Her belief is that it's important to share our knowledge and it's our responsibility to actively do so for the next generation. Sharing these skills and knowledge, while also being a role model for our youth, connects us to our past and future and leaves our legacy for those that will come after us.

Part of the Teejop and Beyond: Celebrating Native Nations series in partnership with Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison and made possible thanks to the Friends of Madison Public Library(link is external). Visit madpl.org/teejopandbeyond for more info.

Each fall, Madison Public Library and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison welcome a variety of Native artists, storytellers, and community leaders for a series of programs celebrating Indigenous people in and beyond Teejop (pronounced day-JOPE, meaning Four Lakes, or Madison). Beginning on Indigenous Peoples' Day each year, Native folks from different nations lead programs highlighting both traditional and contemporary practices, stories, and community relationships.

This year, six presenters representing different Native tribes in Wisconsin will lead programs throughout October and November on a wide range of topics, including Native citizenship and participation in the electoral process, the recent discovery of canoes in Lake Mendota, the history and process of making musical instruments, and more. 

Program participants will also have the opportunity to try hands-on crafts like beading and basket-weaving and understand how techniques and approaches vary depending on the tribal traditions guiding them. This year, presenters represent the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ottawa, and Choctaw nations. Meet the presenters and sign up for programs below.

If you have questions, please contact community@madisonpubliclibrary.org.