Thompson Marie

Extract from an article by Monica Peters
Indian Time
Vol 30 NO 4
January 26, 2012

Akwesasne's recent snow and ice did not stop locals from gathering together to learn how to sew traditional and contemporary Iroquois regalia from Marie Thompson. Marie recently retired her ten-year business plan as a local seamstress and now she enjoys
teaching others how to sew their own ribbon dresses, shirts, yokes, and other accessories.

The Ronathahon:ni Cultural Centre hosts classes at their location and other locations in Akwesasne including the Tri-District Elder's Lodge on Cornwall Island. Marie Thompson has been teaching a sewing class and more details can be found online at Ronathahonni. com.

An entire clothing rack full of the most popular styles of contemporary and traditional Iroquois regalia is available Students are able to pick and choose the styles they want to learn and Marie walks them through the process starting with taking body measurements
pattern making, customizing, cutting, sewing, and finishing with interlocking. Marie also teaches insider tricks to help students place and sew ribbons on the clothing. Students' age, gender and experience vary.. The motivation for each student learning to sew his or her own regalia is also diverse.