NWT Arts

I create all types of traditional handmade items, including moccasins, wrap arounds, purses, keychains, and earrings, as well as mitts with beaver, rabbit, and muskox fur. I add embroidery and beaded designs to moccasins, and typically make beaded earrings and keychains on caribou or moose hide.

I first learned to sew when I was a young teenager from my mom, my grandma, my siblings and my friends. I got back into sewing later in life, after going to residential school. When I got back to the community, I started getting into sewing to reconnect. I lost my culture for a long time and now I’m picking it all back up: the sewing, the dry fish and dry meat making, all the traditions that I lost. I feel really happy inside because of this.

Many Elders from Délı̨nę inspired my work. Around 2002, I started going to sewing nights organized by members of the community. A lot of Elders and other great artists would meet there, and that’s where I picked up most of my sewing skills. There’s lots of cultural events happening in the community, and I picked it all up by looking around and asking questions.

I draw out my designs first before starting my projects. I got most of my patterns from my oldest sister who does a lot of traditional beadwork and crafts for her grandchildren, but I’m getting better at making my own now.

I’m really grateful for the beautiful mix of colours that I get to include in my beadwork. I look at a lot of picture books for inspiration, and pick out the colours that go well together.  That’s how I match my colours. I like to see them shine bright on purses and moccasins!

I am thankful for where I am now. I really wanted to reconnect with my culture and that’s what I did. When I participated in my first market sale in Yellowknife in 2023, I was amazed with myself. It brought tears to my eyes because that’s how much I love my culture, how I love the artwork that I do, and how hard I worked to get here.

When I first started sewing, my mom and Elders told me not to give up, to keep learning. I always think of them when I am stuck on something or when I make a mistake. That’s why I always encourage my nieces to keep going and to keep practicing.

I’m happy that I can now share knowledge and encourage young people to connect with these ways of life. It’s good to pass on our culture to our young people because eventually they will be taking over. Community members from all over the region need to make sure the next generations have a place where they can learn these traditions.