NWT Arts

She was born and raised in and around the community of Fort Liard, where she lived with her husband and son. For her, traditional arts came from deep within her culture and from her family’s influence. She grew up watching her parents and grandparents make and sell birchbark baskets and moosehide products. In the early months of her pregnancy and sobriety, she felt a strong calling to carry forward the culture and artwork she had learned from her parents. Her culture and traditional teachings were deeply important to her, and she was committed to passing them on to her children.

In the fall, she went out on the land to harvest moose. In later years, she learned to tan her own hides with the guidance of her mother. It took many years and great patience for her to learn the traditional process of tanning moosehide. Her mother was a constant source of support, and she often acknowledged that without her guidance, she would not have accomplished the work she did. For over 10 years, she beaded and created quillwork on a variety of natural materials, including moosehide and birchbark. Over time, she gained confidence in sharing her work and was encouraged by the many compliments she received.

Her work and dedication continue to reflect her strength, her culture, and her commitment to carrying traditions forward.