Dene Wall Pocket Project

In December, I found out that my grant application was accepted. Mahsi Cho! Over the next few months, I will be creating two different Dene Wall Pockets with a mentor. After all my trips to the Royal Alberta Museum, where I explored our ancestors' work and documented it, I wanted to honor that legacy by creating items for my own home.

 Finding the materials has been a scavenger hunt. I sourced vintage beads internationally, checked thrift stores for specific vintage cotton thread, got cotton velveteen in BC, and stocked up on enough tea to keep us going. This week, we've started designing, discussing bead choices. I will document the entire process. Once again, oh my gosh—Mahsi! I promise to take such good care with this.

One comment that stood out this week was, “Your beadwork is the thumbprint of you.” The way I move, sketch, and bead is distinctly mine. Through these creations, I express my ancestry, resilience, and sovereignty as a Gwich’in woman.

 

The first wall pocket will feature a smaller design with a central motif and two smaller sets of flowers on each side. The central motif is inspired by the lower Mackenzie River style, which I photographed during my visits to the Royal Alberta Museum early last year.

 

****Please note that commissions are currently closed for six months. Any commissions I've already taken on will continue but may experience slight delays. My website will be updated sometime early this year. Mahsi Cho for your understanding!