NWT Arts

I make hand-crafted beaded jewelry, mostly earrings, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. I make beaded pouches as well, often used as medicine or amulet bags. I also make scrunchies with fabric made by Indigenous designers from all over the country.

I make my jewelry with a wide range of materials, including glass and delica beads, gems, wax cotton cord and leather cord, with 14 or 18 karat gold findings. I truly enjoy the creative process as a whole, but I love having the opportunity and the ability to experiment with colours and designs: the possibilities are endless!

I particularly enjoy coming up with unique colour combinations, often inspired by the changing seasons. Some of my earrings pattern require that I use a loom, which means that I can use an array of colours. This gives me the freedom to make something that is out of the norm.

All the women in my family are beaders and they are my biggest source of inspiration. I was raised by both my grandmothers, who made beautiful clothing with beads, moose hide and fur. My grandmothers and mother first taught me how to bead. I am also self-taught in some aspects because I love to flip through magazines and do my own internet research.

I am also greatly inspired by northern artists in general. There are so many women in the Northwest Territories that have abundant talent. I am always struck by the amazing high quality jewelry they produce. They inspire me to creating unique jewelry that incorporates different patterns while remaining true to who I am as an artist.

My art represents my own individuality — it’s an opportunity for me to express myself freely. Intricate, delicate, high-quality work is what I aim for. I love designing jewelry and I love when people are happy to wear what I have made.

Beading grounds me. It’s what I’ve been raised with and it’s a practice that has always kept me going. By creating beaded jewelry and accessories, I’m also contributing to an important Dene tradition. It’s a way to connect with my culture, to my family, and to my community. I learned from my mother and grandmothers, and now, I am happy that I am able to share this skill with one of my daughters.