NWT Arts

I am an Inuit artist from the Kitikmeot region. I was born and raised in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, surrounded by the tundra. I learned all my skills through traditional knowledge. 

My grandmother, my mom, and even my dad sewed. I picked up a lot just from watching them and eventually, I learn all the techniques properly. I learned how to sew in school from a young age, but I had already started to sew at home to help my mom and grandparents. I would also help my family sand carvings to give them a bit of a break: they were always happy to see what I could create!

I sew traditional survival gear like mitts, mukluks, kamiks, parkas, pants, and hats. I also make parka covers that can be worn over winter garments during colder weather or used by themselves in the warmer months. I use natural and factory tanned caribou hides. I also work with beaver, seal, or rabbit fur.

At the beginning, I made little trinkets such as barrettes, glasses holders, earrings, and keychains. Now, I prefer creating clothing. In 2026, I started to learn embroidery, which is a nice addition to my work and something that I really enjoy to do. I like to sew everything by hand rather than using a sewing machine.

My grandmother and mother have always been my biggest source of inspiration. When they passed on, my dad sewed for himself afterwards. When I saw what he could do, it made me believe that I could do it too!  I now get inspired by my children because they are patient and they give me great creative advice. I love to sew new items for them every year.

When I work on a creative project, I feel calm. It’s soothing but really fun too! I use patterns that I received from family and some that I buy online. It takes a lot of effort to create them, but if the pattern has been given to me, it’s much easier. That’s why like to share my patterns; I am always happy to teach others who want to learn sewing skills.

When I sew, I love that I get to recreate patterns that were used a hundred years ago. Recreating those pieces means so much to me because my Inuit ancestors had to use all their knowledge to survive back then. It connects me to the value of what they had to do to make warm survival gear. I love to imagine all the great things my ancestors could have made with the tools we have now!