Keeping traditions alive, one stitch at a time

(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) The hum of sewing machines and the rhythm of laughter fill the room as 12- to 18-year-olds gathered to learn a skill rooted in culture, creativity, and community. 

Launched in 2014, the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Project (MNYS) is the driving force behind “Connect the Disconnect”, a program that connects Native youth with hands-on cultural activities. 

MNYS Director James Bender encourages youth to reconnect with their culture all year round. Connect the Disconnect is open to all tribal communities that would like their youth to take part in these workshops.

“We’re giving the youth the opportunity to reconnect and ask questions about their culture, to participate in the traditional activities,” Bender said. 

“Even if they would like to make changes in their community, we can guide them towards the youth council,” he continued. 

Workshops include ribbon making, can making, pony bracelet beading, moccasin making, and bead work. Tribal communities that want to get involved and have the workshops held in their area should contact the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services. All contact information is on their website www.mvskokeyouth.com

Leading August workshops was 22-year-old Louisa Harjo, founder of LOUnique, a Native-owned small business that has grown into a vibrant expression of Indigenous fashion. For Harjo, this workshop marked a return to teaching after a two-year hiatus, and it brought her back to where it all began.

“I’m really grateful to be back,” Harjo said. “It's been a while, but I’m always open to teaching youth and elders who want to learn. Today, we worked on modern-day ribbon pants. They're fashionable, but still hold that cultural connection.”

Harjo’s journey began when she was just 7 seven years old and learned to hand-stitch fabric beside her grandmothers. By 11, she had her own machine and could make everything from pillows to skirts. 

Her passion quickly turned into a calling. At just 15, Harjo participated in her first fashion show, standing shoulder to shoulder with Native fashion leaders like OXDX and Red Berry Woman. That experience, she said, changed everything.

“I brought what I learned back home,” she said.

“It made me so happy to see youth light up with new possibilities, knowing they could do this too.”

Since then, Harjo has taught sewing workshops across Oklahoma, working with youth of all ages and abilities. Her workshops are more than technical lessons; they are spaces for emotional expression, personal growth, and cultural reconnection.

“Some of the kids told me their families never thought they could do this,” Harjo said. “That means everything to me. I’ve seen boys learn to sew vests and girls design their own outfits. They’re expressing who they are, and that’s powerful.”

The ribbon pants workshop emphasized both style and comfort, encouraging youth to bring their own ideas to life. Harjo said her approach reflects how Indigenous fashion continues to evolve while honoring its roots.

“Why not make it comfortable, something you can wear every day?” Harjo said. 

Now a new mother, Harjo finds inspiration in her son, who already watches her sew with curiosity and focus. 

“It gives me hope for the next generation,” she said. “These skills are being passed on, even before they can walk.”

When asked what keeps her motivated, Harjo pointed to her connection with Native elders and her practices of journaling her ideas and spending time in nature. 

“Our people have always created together in groups, as a community,” Harjo said. “And that’s exactly what these workshops feel like.”

As she continues to expand her designs and teachings, Harjo’s message for Native youth remains simple but powerful: “You can do this. Your ideas matter. And you carry our culture forward, one stitch at a time.”