NWT Arts

Margaret first learned to sew and embroider as a child while in the hospital, where a nun taught her how to embroider mukluks. After returning home, she continued learning by watching her mother bead and make moccasins. Through observation and practice, she developed her skills and deepened her understanding of the craft.

At the age of fourteen, Margaret made her first pair of slippers under her mother’s careful guidance. She brought them to the church, where someone offered to buy them. Unsure of their value, she asked for $10, a significant amount at the time, and to her surprise, the offer was accepted. With her mother’s quiet approval, she sold the first pair she had ever made, marking the beginning of her journey as a maker.

Over the years, Margaret became highly skilled in beadwork and sewing. Creating a fully beaded pair of moccasins could take her up to two weeks, followed by several more days to complete the hide and fur. She primarily made moccasins and mukluks for others, but also created clothing and special items for her family, including small parkas for her daughters.

She believed that learning came through observation, patience, and persistence, watching others, trying for oneself, and reworking pieces until they were done right. She often emphasized the importance of continuing, even when early attempts were imperfect.

Margaret dedicated nearly 65 years to beading and sewing, finding comfort and purpose in her work, especially during the long northern winters. She began by creating items for her family and later, in 1998, started sharing and selling her work more widely.

Her creations included moccasins with intricate beadwork, baby straps, card holders, dolls, wool duffels, brooches, bookmarks, keychains, ornaments, hairpins, necklaces, handbags, embroidered mitts, mukluks, and wall hangings. She participated with pride in many events and festivals, including the Inuvik Petroleum Show, the Great Northern Arts Festival, and the Annual Crafts Fair in Inuvik.

Margaret’s work reflected her skill, patience, and dedication to her craft. Her legacy lives on through the many pieces she created and the traditions she helped carry forward.