Artisan Profile

Catherine is from Lı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson). Teacher by trade, nature-enthusiast, and talented Dene artist, Catherine is currently learning how to tan hides with Elders in her home community and is actively planning to learn Dene Zhatie in the near future through the Government of the Northwest Territories MAP program. Through her art, Catherine is sharing and reclaiming her culture, whether by offering pieces for fundraising purposes whenever possible or by teaching beading classes to kids in school. She is particularly inspired by the resurgence of Indigenous artists coming forward with new mediums, new techniques, and new materials. Catherine sells her pieces online through her social media accounts under her company’s name @Onte Sews — based on her traditional Dene name.