Akwesasne Cultural Center Library and Museum Acquires 2024 Ohenton Karihwatehkwen Belt

“Our beautiful creation is now permanently displayed in the Akwesasne Cultural Museum! stated Kelly Back of Fire Loom Creations.

On Friday, November 1, the Akwesasne Museum held a reception to honor Kelly and Tyson Back of Fire Loom Creations. Their 76-inch beaded belt is now on permanent display for all to see. The belt is more than just an artistic achievement, it’s a learning lesson of who we are as Onkwehonwe people.

Back spoke of how she was influenced by the late, great Ray Fadden, “I've always admired the late Ray Fadden’s storytelling belts that were hung on the walls at his museum. I used to go there as a kid. I never knew at the time, that loom beading would one day be the career I would pursue. She went on to say, “That was my goal, make a storytelling piece like Ray Fadden and hope one day it can be in a museum. This is that piece. I also wanted to incorporate as many natural materials as I could, such as porcupine quills, moose hair and making sinew the old way by saving an animal tendon. My dream came true, I did just that. With the help of my husband and his skill of hunting, he brought me a roadside porcupine, we collected the tendons from his last deer hunt and helped me make sinew and collected the moose hair from his last moose hunt.

The idea to permanently display the belt was presented to the Director and Akwesasne Museum Board members, which was accepted unanimously.

Marla Jacobs, Museum Director said the Backs were interviewed after the purchase and had an on camera interview with Kelly about the piece. The interview revealed the essence and spirit of the heart beaded into every inch of the belt.

The Ohenton Karihwatehkwen Belt is displayed at the Akwesasne Cultural Center Museum. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 10a-2pm.