Alisa Blake was taught to bead as a child by her mother and grandmother. As an adult, she says continuing to bead helps her remain connected to them and to her culture.

“Indigenous women have shared their cultural beading techniques through generations, passing on their knowledge from mother to daughter," she said.

"In my case, my mama and grandmother taught me these intricate skills when I was just a child.

A submitted photo of Alisa Blake.

“However, my journey with beading was interrupted when I began attending Grollier Hall, a residential school for students from communities without access to education beyond Grade 10, 11 and 12. Despite this break, the legacy of beadwork lives on in me, reminding me of the importance of preserving and honouring our traditions.”

Blake is the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley’s artist of the month this December. Her holiday-themed flower earrings feature gold, red and green beads on a hide background.

She said learning to bead was a “meticulous process” that required plenty of time and patience. 

Blake uses the two-needle flat stitch technique in her work, where beads are tacked down one by one.

A submitted photo of beaded flower earrings by Alisa Blake.

When she first learned to bead, this could be a frustrating process – and her mother and grandmother would undo her work if she missed a bead or didn’t sew correctly. 

“Now, looking back, I appreciate their guidance. Beading has evolved into a soothing activity that sparks creativity within me," she said.

Find Blake’s work at a craft fair at the Range Lake North School on Saturday, December 14 from 10am to 3pm.

The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley have launched a year-long Indigenous flower beading series that celebrate and promote northern Indigenous beadwork. 

All artists who submit work will receive $25 for each month they propose a theme and idea for a beaded flower. The artist whose theme and flower are selected for each month will receive an additional $250.

To submit a theme and idea for an accompanying flower design, contact the boards through the new Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley Facebook page, or call Christan at 867-765-4592.