NWT Arts

Judy Lafferty was born and lived in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, where she became a master of traditional arts. She learned to sew from her grandmother, Elizabeth Barnaby, who first introduced her to chain stitching. As a young girl, Judy began helping her grandmother sew a pair of mukluks for Christmas, starting months in advance. Though she remembered her early work as imperfect, it marked the beginning of a lifelong dedication to her craft.

As she grew older, Judy sewed out of necessity, making clothing such as boots and mitts for her children at a time when such items were not readily available. Sewing became central to her life, both as a vital skill and as a form of creative expression. She developed her own approach to design, creating rough sketches and allowing her beadwork to evolve naturally as she worked. She paid close attention to colour, balance, and form, particularly in her floral designs, refining each piece until it met her high standards. She believed that this careful attention to detail was what made her work unique.

Judy had many years of experience in beadwork and sewing and was also highly skilled in traditional hide tanning, a practice she carried out for over 40 years. She understood the time and effort involved in preparing hides and took pride in every stage of the process.

Coming from a family of artists, Judy learned by watching and listening to the Elders around her. She carried forward not only the technical skills of her craft but also deep knowledge of Dene culture and traditional ways of life.

Her work gained recognition beyond her community, including at the Great Northern Arts Festival, where she was honoured with the People’s Choice Award. Judy’s creations reflected her dedication, cultural knowledge, and artistic vision.

Her legacy continues through the many pieces she created and the traditions she helped preserve and pass on to future generations.