NWT Arts

Over the years, I tried to watch everything my mother did. That’s how I learned. In the summertime, she would make a lot of dry fish and share it with the community. She would use the whole fish except the fish scales. She told me that it was a shame to throw those away. Over the years, I learned to wash the scales to use them to make art. I learned that washing the scales many times was the best way. Then, I learned to use natural dyes from cranberries, blueberries, tea or coffee to make my own coloured fish scales. Later, I started using food colouring too.

I start by harvesting my fish scales. I wash them a number of times, and I air them out for weeks. Once they are clear and dry, it’s time to dye them with the food colouring. It’s very relaxing. If I worry about something, my mind relaxes when I work on my art. I really love that. Making art keeps me at peace and, because of that, it keeps me going.

When we make clothing, like when we are making dry fish, we don’t throw any part of the animal away. We use the bones to make needles and tools. I like that we respect the animals enough to not throw anything away. I used to live on the land, with a happy feeling. I am inspired by the land and the animals that live on these territories. I like to feel the fresh air. Even as I get older, I go out on the land any chance I get. When you’re old, you can watch. I love it!