This week, CKLB reached out to young Indigenous creator Treyleen Neyelle, 26, from the Sahtúot’įnę Délı̨nę First Nation, residing in Yellowknife on her beadwork.
Beaded earrings on smoked caribou hide. (Submitted by Treyleen Neyelle)
“My beading journey began actually earlier this year in January, started small such as mini studs, then bigger pieces when I got comfortable doing them,” says Neyelle. Beaded uppers is one of her accomplishments that took her five days to complete.
“I was so proud of myself,” she said.
Neyelle began beading as a way to provide moccasins for her family in the future as well as connecting to her culture back home.
“Beading has made me feel more connected with my roots in a way that I’ve never really felt before and I am so lucky that I get to be a part of this amazing community of talented beaders.”
There’s a lack of supply stores in the North, and so most supplies are shipped from down south. Neyelle does both. Purchasing her supplies in Yellowknife as well as at Zoe/Chocolate Sewing and Crafts in Behchokǫ̀ whenever she visits family. As well as online from Etsy and her sister in Lethbridge who ships her beads.
Earrings made with caribou antler, smoked caribou hide and rabbit fur poms. (Submitted by Treyleen Neyelle)
Neyelle finds inspiration from other artists, scenic views, and online sites such as Pinterest. She uses a range of materials from Czech beads to hand tanned smoked caribou hide.
“Most definitely beading is an art form. It’s a way to express yourself,“ says Neyelle.
Neyelle balances beading with school, enrolled in academic upgrading at Aurora College, she finds it easy as her classes are online. Not having taught anyone, she hopes to perfect her work before teaching those who want to learn.
To view or purchase Neyelle’s beadwork, you can find them on her Instagram as well as a variety of Facebook Groups. For in person shopping, you can find them at Mermaid and Moon Boutique and DeneBeadz in Yellowknife.
