Metallica fans from Quebec First Nation gift handmade bead medallions to bassist Robert Trujillo

Sipi Flamand, the chief of the Atikamekw Community of Manawan, couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw bass player Rоb Trujillo wearing a medallion handmade by Flamand himself at one of Metallica’s recent concerts in Montreal.

Flamand, who grew up listening to Metallica’s music, crafted the beaded medallion featuring four Metallica Ms in a ninja star formation back in 2013. The medallion was originally gifted to Flamand’s cousin, Danik Létourneau, but eventually made its way to Trujillo during the concert.

According to Flamand, gifting medallions in the Indigenous community is a way to connect people and show respect. The unexpecteԀ sight of Trujillo wearing his medallion on stage left Flamand feeling surprised and аmаzed.

The video of the moment and photos of Trujillo wearing the medallion were shared on Metallica’s social media platforms, which Flamand found to be very special.

Flamand’s cousin, Dannys Flamand, also gifted a handmade beaded medallion to Trujillo during another Metallica concert in Montreal. Dannys’ medallion, which featured the Metallica logo, took her approximately 36 hours to make. She was thrilled to see Trujillo wearing her creation on stage.

For both Flamand and Dannys, being able to share their art and creativity with Trujillo and the world was a deeply meaningful experience. As fans of Metallica, their connection to the band’s music helped them through difficult times in their lives, making the gesture even more significant.

The Atikamekw Community of Manawan, where Flamand and Dannys are from, is located about 260 kilometres north of Montreal.