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How Kelsey Powless helps keep Haudenosaunee languages and culture alive through the art of home decor

When Kelsey Powless decided she would do what she could to help keep Haudenosaunee languages and culture alive, she plugged in a scroll saw. She talked with CBC's Aicha Smith-Belghab about her efforts to 'revitalize Indigenous languages through home décor.'

Kelsey Powless works to 'revitalize Indigenous languages through home décor'

Aicha Smith-Belghaba · CBC News ·

How Kelsey Powless helps keep Haudenosaunee languages and culture alive through the art of home decor

2 years ago
Duration 5:52
When Kelsey Powless decided she would do what she could to help keep Haudenosaunee languages and culture alive, she plugged in a scroll saw. She talked with CBC's Aicha Smith-Belghaba, Indigenous storyteller, journalist, chef and owner of Esha's Eats, about her efforts to "revitalize indigenous languages through home décor."

When Kelsey Powless decided she would do what she could to help keep Haudenosaunee languages and culture alive, she plugged in a scroll saw.

It was a brave choice for an artist who had never used power tools. After some training and lots of support from her family, the day after receiving a scroll saw for Christmas, she made her first sign. It took 11 hours. She made signs for her family and posted them on social media. Then the orders took off and Powless + Co. was born.

Aicha Smith-Belghaba, Indigenous storyteller, journalist, chef and owner of Esha's Eats, talks with Kelsey Powless about the art work she does to preserved Haudenosaunee language and culture. Powless says she has made it part of her mission to "revitalize Indigenous languages through home décor." 

Watch the full interview in the video above as Powless takes Smith-Belghaba through her workshop on Six Nations.

Powless has some advice for anyone that helped change her life — do the thing that you love and you'll never have a bad day.

Follow her on Facebook at Powless + Co. and on Instagram at @powlessandco.

Seven home decor signs created by Haudenosaunee artists Kelsey Powless.
Here's a look at seven home decor signs created by Haudenosaunee artists Kelsey Powless. (Kelsey Powless)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aicha Smith-Belghaba

Associate producer

Aicha Smith-Belghaba is Mohawk Wolf clan and Algerian from Six Nations. She is an associate producer working with CBC Hamilton as part of the first cohort of CBC's Indigenous Pathways to Journalism program. She is also the owner of Esha’s Eats, and passionate about content creation, community and food sovereignty.

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