Brenda Chalifoux

Region: 
South Slave
Community: 
Fort Smith

Artist Story

My art is traditional sewing using various beads on moose hide. My granny taught me how to bead when I was a teenager. I watched her bead and put together moccasins. Often she would give me hints and tricks for putting together moccasins, especially the pleats and backs. 

I knew the technique for beading, but didn't start sewing on my own until I took a yearlong moccasin making course with Dot Desjarlais in 2006. I think this was the starting point; the passing on of traditional knowledge inspired me to begin sewing and eventually begin teaching workshops. 

I love beading the traditional five petal flower. I usually incorporate three different style beads, such as luster, silver lined and matte, in each flower and/or leaf. I like to mix and match different colours and styles of beads. 

I received an NWT Arts grant in 2013, I worked with various traditional sewers and Elders to create traditional pieces. I also was able to provide women from different organizations with enough moose hide and supplies to create either a barrette and/or heart broach. I donated two pairs of moccasins to two different organizations. Fort Smith is a small and comfortable, you know people. I learned to bead from my granny and want to pass that on to anyone who wants to learn. I have taught children as young as five to bead, and will continue to teach as many different people as I can in honor of my granny.

Artist Bio: 

Inspired by her late granny V. Chalifoux, Brenda began making traditional beaded clothing independently three years ago. Brenda is an emerging artists and loves to teach others how to bead.

Last Updated: May 24, 2023

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