NWT Arts

I was born in Fort Chipewyan,  Alberta,  and am a proud member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. My three siblings and I were raised by my grandmother in a modest 2 room cabin in Carlson’s Landing, Alberta, within the boundaries of Wood Buffalo National Park. I presently reside with my family in Fort Smith, NT.

I was inspired to create Native themed handcrafts when I started beading because I wanted to keep my Native culture alive and I hope that my daughter will follow in my footsteps. A self-taught artist, I turned my hobby of beading & sewing into a home-based business 15 years ago. I create various handcrafts such as beaver, seal or rabbit mitts, beaded cardholders, moccasins, and jewelry. 

In my early beading years, I worked mainly with traditional floral patterns for the vamps (the top portion of the moccasin).  As my skill level progressed, I began to bead more intricate and non-traditional designs such as animals and scenery.  For example, I have incorporated designs on my moccasin vamps that hold significant meaning for my customers such as a German Shepherd for a long time dog owner in England, an Orca for a kayaker from the BC coast and a moose head with antlers for an avid hunter in New Brunswick.