NWT Arts

Marie Baton was born in Deline, Northwest Territories on Keith Arm of Great Bear Lake on June 01, 1946. She attended school until grade 5 and traveled with her parents on the land hunting and trapping. She was taught to sew at an early age and uses the skill to make clothing for her family and to sell on a small scale locally. Marie remembers helping her mother tanning moose or caribou hides to use and make dene crafts such as slippers, jackets, gun cases, mukluks and mitts. These were essential clothing for the harsh environment. Marie still sews dene craft to sell locally and participates with the local sewing group to promote and market their arts and craft. She enjoys spending time with other ladies to share their skills and stories. The ladies all have their own unique style and Marie has her own style. She taught her daughters how to sew and now is teaching her granddaughters.