NWT Arts

I am a Dene artist, making both traditional and contemporary work. For years, I have been making different kinds of traditional items like mitts and gloves for my family. I make moccasins and mukluks with the help of my grandmother and mother-in-law, who put them together. I also make rosary bags and small beaded items like card holders. In 2023, I started making beaded earrings.

I learned to sew through my grandmother. She continuously experiments with her crafts. All the beautiful items that she creates makes me want to learn more. One of my goals is to be able to make vests for my son and my husband. My grandma knows how to make them and I would love it if she could teach me. I’d also love to learn how to put mukluks together by myself. The pleating around the feet is very difficult and I hope one day to learn how to do it properly!

I first started beading when I was around 12 years old. At the time, I was just making little uppers. With time and practice — and now that I am a mother — my art practice has evolved. I now want to make all kinds of traditional items for my family. I love doing that for them, as opposed to making things just to sell.

When I’m making mitts or gloves, I use beaver fur, rabbit fur or sealskin. When I’m making jewelry, I use beads and small pieces of hide. I really love making little stud moose hide earrings with beaded edges. I like the unique way that I put those together.

When I start a new project, I usually lay out all my beads to pick the colours that go best with each other. Nature is a big source of inspiration for me. For example, during Spring, I’ll be more inclined to pick bright colours for my designs.

When I go out on the land, it’s so peaceful out there and it makes me so inspired that all I want to do is bead or sew! It gives me a great sense of calmness, peace and overall happiness.