16-year-old Émilie McKinney is from Swan Lake First Nation, Manitoba. She is a bilingual student, an international dancer (hoop, fancy, jingle, traditional) and an artist who wanted to make herself a new jingle dress.
She and her Mom; Natalie Foidart, called their local supplier to get jingles and he explained that he had retired. There was no one in the area who made them, so Émilie decided that she wanted to make them locally herself.
Émilie drew up a logo and a five year plan so that she could be the new Canadian manufacturer, supplier and designer of jingles and worked closely with her mom, Natalie Foidart to get her business started. After researching various meanings to words and careful consideration, she chose Anishinaabe (it’s who she is, a Native Canadian, First Nation Person) Bimishimo (dancing by) Corporation.
John Bead is honored to have been one of the companies that Émilie McKinney (along with her mom, Natalie Foidart) met with during their initial research and we are excited to be the first distributor to support their new business.
“I’m really thankful for Daniel John to have personally taken time to answer our many questions on numerous occasions and for his guidance as well. We are excited to have our products available at John Bead Corporation.” – Émilie McKinney
The logo has special meaning.
“The outer circle represents the world around us in full circle and the inner circle is a reminder of the full circle within ourselves. The tipi symbolizes home, family, where the heart is and the open tipi door welcomes ideas, hope, dreams, dance and people. The medicine wheel is a reminder to follow and never forget the sacred teachings including being humble, asking for help when needed and to show appreciation when it is given. Anishinaabe Bimishimo is written because it represents her and the feathers on either end. Feathers are used in prayer, for smudging, and in regalia.”
Canadian made using mild steel which has a very different sound than other jingles.
Nickel, Brass and Copper options.
Embossed flat plates or cones.
1.75 inch and 2.6 inch sizes (great for adult and childrens projects)
