The Beaded Vulva Project Workshop

This workshop provides an opportunity for participants to learn about anatomy and decolonial approaches to sexual and reproductive health.

Pro-Choice YQL is excited to bring the Beaded Vulva Project to our community! The approach to this workshop is one half beading circle, one half bodily teachings - learning anatomical terminology and how these parts work. The sessions decolonize the ways in which we talk about female bodies and passes on bodily teachings that have been silenced through the impositions of settler colonialism. Facilitator Brittany Johnson teaches the anatomical terms for parts of the vulva while also teaching basic beadwork stitches needed to create the beaded vulvas and guides discussion for the group.

Brittany Johnson (she/her) is an Assistant Professor at MacEwan University and a PhD student at the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta. She is a member of Beaver First Nation. Johnson’s research focuses on relationality through beadwork, burlesque, and sexual/reproductive justice. She is a passionate advocate for Indigenous women's health through her research, and is a full spectrum doula specializing in health advocacy and teaching.

The Beaded Vulva Project was born out of a realization that many Indigenous women and girls were not receiving access to teachings about their bodies, consent, pleasure, or what is normal when interacting with healthcare professionals. Additionally, not everyone has access to beading materials or has had the opportunity to learn how to bead. Johnson blended the two together and the Beaded Vulva Project was born.

As the Beaded Vulva Project grew, Johnson added on the healthcare professional stream. This stream was added as Johnson found a significant gap in the training that healthcare professionals receive on the colonial histories of health care, especially when it comes to Indigenous women's health. Johnson brings in perspectives and teachings from Indigenous health researchers, midwives, physicians, and specialists in these sessions.

Tickets are limited, and require pre-registration. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact education@prochoiceyql.ca.