Fire Loom Creations
Custom Loom Beaded Belts, Sashes and Headbands.
Hand made In Akwesasne Mohawk Territory by Kelly and Tyson Back.
Welcome to Fire Loom Creations
Keepsakes for those special moments in your life!
Experiences in creating loom beaded pieces for your classroom, workplace, organization and family heirlooms.
The Family That Weaves Moments and Memories
Fire Loom Creations is the living work of Kelly “Tsieriwaienś” Back of the Turtle Clan and Tyson “Karonhiáhe:re” Back of the Wolf Clan from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. Their community rests along the life-giving waters of the Saint Lawrence River, where the border cuts through the land but not through the people.
Together, they have woven more than 200 custom beaded loom belts — each one carrying story, spirit, identity, and the hands of those who came before them. These are not pieces made to sleep behind glass, but living works meant to be worn, danced, gifted, and carried forward into ceremony, community, and everyday life.
Rooted in Akwesasne And On Fire Across Turtle Island.
Fire Loom Creations has travelled through numerous publications, organizations, schools, events and awards ceremonies.
The work is speaking, and the people are listening, learning and talking about Fire Loom Creations.
They have lit many fires along their path and here's a few highlights.
The Richard F. Brush Art Gallery has recently acquired The Gathering of Nations, a stunning 42-inch beaded belt by Akwesasne Mohawk artists, Kelly Tsieriwaiens Back and Tyson Karonhiahere Back, from Fire Loom Creations.
Artists’ Statement: "The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is made up of six nations: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later adopting Tuscarora. These nations united in the 1700s to create a peaceful way to make decisions and live in harmony together. A unique blend of law, nature, and values are equally important in the eyes of the Haudenosaunee.
The nine clans are represented by birds and animals and are divided by three elements of land, water and air. The Tree of Peace symbolizes their unification. These nations have pledged their allegiance to one another by burying any weapons or negativity under the Tree of Peace. The Eagle is the protector of our people and will always continue to watch over the Haudenosaunee nations.
Kelly and her husband Tyson, who own Fire Loom Creations, were the honoured guests as their hand-crafted, beaded belt was acquired by the museum. Community members may recognize the belt as it won best in show at 2024 Akwesasne Art Market and Juried Show.
The belt, which stretches over 1.8 metres (six feet) in length, displays all elements of the Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, which translated from Mohawk language roughly means the “words before all else.” Also known as the Thanksgiving address, the Haudenosaunee greeting is often recited at the beginning of meetings and gatherings, and acknowledges the people, earth, waters, plants, animals, birds, bushes, trees, winds, sun, moon, stars, and spiritual forces.
The Buffalo Bills on Tuesday announced over 45 artists were selected to be displayed in the collection of their upcoming public art program.
The program has commissioned the artists to create site-specific artworks at the stadium, described as “thematic, public-facing, and part of the permanent collection at the stadium.”
“Artists are a vital asset to helping create welcoming spaces, and the Buffalo Bills and Highmark Stadium look forward to showcasing the talents and diversity of our arts community,” VP of stadium relations Penny Semaia said in a release.
According to the release, 433 applications were received.
A panel of 27 members of Western New York art and cultural institutions was selected to review and select the final works to be part of the program. Art will be featured in 40 locations throughout the stadium.
The Indigenous fashion world was buzzing with the Runway of Rezilience 2024 event hosted by Seeing Red Media at Casa Loma in Toronto. This powerful celebration of Indigenous culture, creativity and resilience showcased talented designers, artists, performers and models.
Tisha Thompson (@tishaannthompson) and Tina Bradley (@queena_ribbon_deigns) both from Akwesasne, were designers for the runway and Fire Loom Creations was the centrepiece of Tisha's fabulous designs.
Fire Loom Creations had one of their spectacular belts in the 2023 Indigenous Fashion Show at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. This November event celebrates a showcase of Native American heritage to kick off Native American Heritage Month. It highlighted a mix of traditional and contemporary designs from regional Indigenous designers, featuring runway, pop-up shops, and models from across Turtle Island.
Fire Loom Creations on The Original Peoples Podcast Ongwehonwe. “TOGETHER family Artists Tyson and Kelly Back Akwesasne Mohawk.” January, 2022.
Episode Description
Link- https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ONstRyC2o9a6A34zUWHKk?si=e80bae436752424e
Custom Commissioned Belts
Custom orders are Kelly's passion. Her creativity and thoughtful artistic process will allow your special piece to reflect you, your vision and your dreams.
Custom Commissioned Belts
Kelly has created many custom belts including:
- The Haudenosaunee International Women's Wampum Belt
- The Boundary Waters Treaty belt for the International Joint Commission (IJC)
- A custom belt worn by Indigenous contestant in the Miss Universe Canada 2023 Pageant, Lannie Houle. Vernon, BC.
- Friendship belt for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne and -Cornwall’s ACC Futures.
- Two Row Wampum Belt for First Peoples Justice Centre of Montréal
- Numerous custom belts for graduations and other events (see our Collections page).