tân’si, nitisîyhkâson Ellie!
Hello! My name is Ellie!
As a proud Métis artist and the creative force behind Mahkesis Creations, I have been dedicated to beading since 2018 and sewing since 2023. My small business serves as a vital conduit for reconnecting with the culture and community that were fragmented within my family due to Canada’s colonial legacy. Through my art, I am committed to honoring and reviving my Métis heritage, forging meaningful connections within the Indigenous communities I am privileged to be part of.
Recently, I graduated with a BA in Native Studies from the University of Alberta, a journey spanning seven years of in-depth exploration into Indigenous cultures, histories, and resilience. This academic accomplishment enriches my artistic practice, allowing me to seamlessly blend scholarly insights with lived experiences. My vision for Mahkesis Creations is to evolve it into a cornerstone of cultural celebration and community engagement, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous artistry for future generations.
Mahkesîs Creations is a proud member of the I AM Collective. The IAM Collective is an Indigenous arts collective of nearly one hundred First Nations, Metis, and Inuit artists, traditional knowledge holders, entrepreneurs, performers, and creatives who promote authenticity over appropriation by providing a place for market goers to purchase authentic, local Indigenous art and experience the splendour of Indigenous culture.
Mahkesîs Creations is a proud member of the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada (IACC). The IACC is a national organization powered and empowered by Indigenous women.
In taking inspiration from the Haudenosaunee Seventh Generation Principle, the Indigenous Arts Collective of Canada was founded in 2012 to preserve and revitalize endangered Indigenous art forms and enrich lives through Indigenous arts and culture. The IACC engages, [re]connects and empowers Indigenous women by promoting the transfer and conservation of cultural knowledge; securing the capacity for the next generations to retain and cultivate intrinsic cultural connections and world views.
