On February 12th, 2025, I sat at a table at Hoke Union Building for my first beading lesson, surrounded by a jumble of colorful beads. That day, I didn’t just learn a craft; I connected with indigenous culture other than my own, a vibrant community, and the healing power of creation. Shantel Peacock, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is weaving cultural awareness and community, one bead at a time.
The gentle clink of beads, paired with soft laughter and quiet focus, fills the air. Around the table of two, students, faculty, and staff gather, hands busy threading colorful beads under the guidance of Peacock. It has become a Wednesday tradition at Eastern Oregon University. What started as a simple beading class has quietly grown into something much more meaningful.
Beading is more than just a hobby, it’s a lifeline to her heritage, said Peacock. “Back home, I used to do a lot of interaction with the community, whether it’s adult classes or youth classes,” she said. When she moved here, she felt a desire to continue sharing her knowledge and passion. According to Peacock, “Beading raises awareness that Native Americans are still here and are still strong. It’s a form of expression that speaks without words, saying ‘we’re still here.”
The path to creating a beautiful beaded piece isn’t always easy, especially for beginners. “The challenges I see with beginners are the overwhelming feeling of the beads and the threads and just not knowing what to do and where to start,” Peacock said. “It’s intimidating when you don’t know what you’re doing.”
“Beading for me is a healing journey,” according to Peacock. “It keeps my mind from eating me alive so to speak… I feel that beading keeps you on the right road from making bad choices,” she added. The connection between beading and spirituality is a belief that you can’t cross the two spirits, she said. “When you bead, a lot of spirit pours into it because your prayers are also heard.”
Peacock is also looking to grow the class.“We have been moving forward with offering more,” she said. “For example, we’ve been doing the ribbon skirts, and Pepper Huxoll has been introducing more art. But with the beading, I am looking to help educate the students, so they can share their knowledge and maybe one day they’ll pick up a class and teach.” She went on to say. “But my goal is to inspire others to then teach others.”
The beading circle has also had a profound impact on participants like Trisha Stout, an academic advisor at EOU. Stout was initially drawn to the lessons by the encouragement of students and Pepper Huxoll, EOU’s Native American, Indigenous & Rural Programs Coordinator. “I love crafts so I was excited to learn a new craft,” Stout said. “I’m just looking for enjoyment, which I totally found.”
“When I first started, I remember feeling very humbled by the experience because I’m always looking for perfection, even though I know that’s an unrealistic expectation that I hold myself to, and it’s giving me a little bit of patience,” Stout said. “I definitely have more appreciation, especially since I know how long it takes to make a beaded item now.”
Stout said she has grown more comfortable with the beading community over time.“I’ve gotten to connect more over informal chit chat at the beading circle table with faculty, community members, and our students, which has been really cool,” she said.
The beading circle takes place each Wednesday from 11:30-1:00 p.m. in Hoke 216. Students can participate for free, while faculty, staff and community members can participate with a small donation. Funds will go towards supporting the 50th anniversary Powwow, which will take place May 16-17.
