Celebrating Alumni Excellence Through Indigenous Beadwork 

Ashley Thompson ’19 (Gzowski College) creates Indigenous beadwork as all-new Trent University Alumni Association Alumni Award

November 22, 2024

Image of Ashley Thompson

Ashley Thompson '19 (Gzowski College) is the creator and designer of an all-new Trent University Alumni Association Alumni Award featuring Indigenous beadwork.

Using nearly 3,000 beads per piece, Ashley created original interpretations of the iconic Trent Crest. Each piece took roughly 12-15 hours as she meticulously handstitched the individual green and white beads that were applied and laid on white deer leather.

"I feel like I’ve come to a beautiful full circle in my Trent Experience," says Ashley, who is a proud Kanien'kehaka (Bear Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and founder of Kahionhatatie Beadwork.  "It is very meaningful to create this beautiful art for my fellow Trent alumni who are being recognized for excellence in their fields."

The beaded art, framed by esteemed Peterborough artist Peer Christensen, was presented to this year's eight recipients during a gala reception held on November 21 in Champlain’s Great Hall.

Beadwork holds significant cultural importance in Indigenous communities as it serves as a powerful medium for expressing identity, clan affiliations, personal achievements, and spiritual beliefs. The new award is a symbol of Trent's values and celebrates the achievements of the alumni award recipients, while honouring Trent’s trailblazing leadership in Indigenous education.

"What an honour to have an Indigenous alumna and Trent staff member create this meaningful art for the 2024 Alumni Award recipients," says Naomi Handley, director of Alumni Engagement & Services. "We thank Ashley for her sharing her talents to help celebrate her fellow alumni who are leading positive change in the world." 

Across Canada and around the globe, Trent alumni are making significant contributions to their University, their professions, and their communities. The TUAA Alumni Awards recognize these individuals and their efforts to build a better world.

Learn more about the TUAA Alumni Awards. We encourage you to think about the exceptional Trent graduates you know in your lives, as nominations for the 2025 Awards will open early next year.