Bertha Kenny

Region: 
Sahtu
Community: 
Deline

Artist Story

I learned how to sew from my mom when I was around twelve or thirteen. I create art because it’s my tradition, and what my mom taught me to do. I do it for my children – for my kids and my grandkids. I’m teaching my daughter and my granddaughter.

Flowers are my favourite things to bead. I look around at the landscape of Deline and the flowers are so beautiful. I try to make different flowers and use different colours, even though purple is my favourite. I usually draw my own patterns, but sometimes I like to try out new things, so I have other people draw parts of the patterns for me.

The first thing I learned how to sew was an upper; now I make everything from mitts and jackets, to mukluks and moccasins. Caribou hide and moose hide are the best for sewing, if I can get it. I’ve been doing beadwork all my life, and I just love it.

Last Updated: May 23, 2023

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