The Beaded Map

This gridded map shows you the tiles that we have processed so far, and how they piece together to form a beaded version of Lake Nipissing and adjoining lakes and tributaries. Check back for yours if you don’t see it yet.

This map has been created by assigning coordinates to the corners of the tiles so they can be overlain on their real-world locations, using a GIS (short for Geographic Information System). GIS technology is used to create, analyze and display spatial data, and has largely replaced manual cartography techniques. A GIS is a powerful tool for map-making, and like any map making technology has great potential for both harm and benefit.

Map making has historically been used to disenfranchise and take land from Indigenous peoples across the globe. This project uses map making technology to take some of that power back by beading over it, with the beads standing in for Indigenous sovereignty. Water has always been a part of Indigenous territories and Indigenous ways of existing. In beading Lake Nipissing together, we honour the connective features of water, land and community. Water is life.

Project Outline

Together, we will bead the entire lake and sections of its tributaries.