Folks were out and about over the weekend, checking out the beautifully crafted arts and handmade goods at showcases and markets emerging across the city. The markets are ushering in winter festivities, with hundreds of artists and vendors sharing their work each week, entering into the holiday season in Yellowknife.
While the markets are attracting crowds of people, the artists and vendors say its not so much about selling, but more about a “love of their craft” and celebrating and honouring their cultures and traditions.
Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Sale and Showcase took place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chateau Nova on 48 Street and saw hundreds of attendees lined up before opening hours.
Just around the corner, was another market run by volunteers and vendors with the CWL Christmas Bazaar at St. Pat’s church hall from 8:30 a.m. and extended to 1:30 p.m. on 52 Street.
Closer to uptown, was the Maker Market taking place closer to uptown on Forrest Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At the Tłı̨chǫ Arts Holiday Showcase, Tłı̨chǫ artists, partners and organizations held a feast and celebrated before the opening. They shared Whaèhdǫǫ̀ lidì – Tea of Our Ancestors and Gǫ̀ K’itì” – Fireweed Blossom Syrup and the latest, Dè Golidı̀ – Tea of Our Land which were also available for as part of the market.
Nearly 40 Tłı̨chǫ artists featured their works at the show.
Bertha Pea’a is an artist from Wekweètì and says that her family inspires her artistic energy. Pea’a is part of a beading heritage that goes back generations.
Pea’a explains her Grandmother and Mother taught her beading.
Each of the moccasins she had at her table were crafted with love over a number weeks, from the sewing of the caribou hide to creating the gorgeous floral beadwork art.
Gina Migwi is an artist who was born and grew up in Behchokǫ̀. Migwi’s mom Dora taught her to sew and bead while storytelling.
While Migwi comes from a family of artisan sewers, she says it wasn’t until later in life when she began participating in a workshop that she got more involved in sewing and beadwork again. Migwi makes jewellery, moccasins, mittens, vests and other items. Her proud partner William was by her side, who also created the medicine bundles.
The showcase market’s attendees also picked up a “Moccasin Trail Passport” to take part in the Moccasin Trail, learning about the Tłı̨chǫ culture which is instilled within the hundreds of crafts that were onsite.
Santa Claus was also on site giving out some treats along with organizers who were giving out prizes.
The CWL Bazaar at St. Pat’s church hall was serving up delicious hand made treats and gorgeously crafted knit items and ceramics and much more.
Nene Santos with the CWL said that the hand knit items including hats and scarves are made by the women of the CWL.
Barb Michel and Kay Naidoo, who are best friends, were serving up superb cranberry lemon poppyseed muffins, cookies and a myriad of baked goods along with preserves and hand crocheted items. Michel’s baked goods went like hot cakes!
Michel, who is based in Yellowknife, baked professionally for decades and still likes to bake and craft for special events.
The selection of tasty baked goods were everywhere. Minda Stewart was on a bake marathon before the bazaar, baking hundreds of irresistible cookies and treats on Thursday, dozens and dozens of yummy breads on Friday and then woke up early Saturday morning to bake the donuts! The superb ensaimadas were also a big hit with attendees.
Michel and Stewart also had a selection of sweet and savoury preserves.
Emily Baillie is also based in Yellowknife presented her hand made air dried, hand painted clay ornaments, coasters and magnets. Baille said that her passion for creating arts and crafts began as part of workshops to promote health and wellness.
YK Council says the organization is also holding raffles and other activities to help raise funds for the league.
In the coming weeks, more art and craft markets are coming to the city, including
also took place this weekend in N’dilo and is returning Saturday Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 21.. This weekend, the Yellowknife Guild of Arts and Crafts is hosting their annual market, from Saturday Nov. 29 to Sunday Nov. 30 at the Aurora Dance Studio on Kam Lake
