Place

Plamondon, Alberta

Date

1909

Materials & techniques

Black velvet (faded), beads

Credit

Léa Ladouceur

ID

Lac La Biche Mission Historical Site

This beaded panel was originally a bunting bag (snuggly) made by Léa Ladouceur for her first born child named Amelia. The bunting bag was subsequently used for her other children: Gabe, Olivine, Albertine, Henry, Jean Baptist, Rose, Madeline and Josie. Later it was converted into a pillow cover, which sat on Léa’s couch for many years.

Léa was well known for her fantastic bead and embroidery work. Like many Métis and Aboriginal women residing in the Lac La Biche region, she carried on the tradition of making various beaded items including moccasins and jackets.

After Léa’s death, this beaded panel was passed on to her daughter Olivine, and then to her grand-daughter Léa Plamondon-Jensen who kindly donated this beautiful item to the Lac La Biche Mission Historical Site where it is proudly displayed today. In fall 2016, this beaded panel will be incorporated into an exhibit at the Lac La Biche Mission Historical Site celebrating the cultural diversity of the Lac La Biche region.