Tanya Zilinski
Tanya Zilinski
Manitoba Métis Federation
I'd like to introduce myself. My love of beadwork and making dreamcatchers started when I was 15 years old when I was attending an alternate school for troubled teens. The school had a First Nations woman come to work with us and teach us various Indigenous crafts.



I discovered I was very creative in graphing my designs and I found the loom beaded very enjoyable and it gave me a sense of accomplishment when I was finished a peice. I have been loom beading ever since. Everyone has a story that shapes who they are. This is part of my story. I believe everything happens for a reason. I was in and out of foster care as a young child and was made a permanent ward when I was 13. I was placed with a wonderful woman who believed in healing through culture. She helped me to discover and learn my Indigenous culture, which I attribute to my being saved. She gave me my first spirit name, Little Crow, which is a name I will carry with me my whole life. I walk the Red Road and have my whole life. I am also very grateful to The Creator, The Universe, Grandmother's and Grandfather's, my Ancestors for the gift of creativity. I am Dakota, Cree, Anishinaabe, Huron Wendat on my mother's side, Polish on my Dad's side and I am a member of Manitoba Mètis Federation. My identity is Indigenous as I have lived a traditional Indigenous lifestyle most of my life. I reside on the traditional unceded territory of Chawathil First Nation with my husband and 6 children. My husband is Stó:Lõ and Nlaka’pamux. All of my beadwork is designed by me. I can make custom order lanyards, hat bands, bracelets, neck chokers, headbands, hair barrettes etc.
Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction.