Hi, I’m Nicole. I’m the founder and owner of BeadedLegacy and I am of mixed Sahtu-Dene and European heritage. I am really proud and grateful to come from a long line of Sahtu-Dene women from Tłegǫ́hłı̨ (land where there is oil), colonially known as Norman Wells, NWT.

I grew up away from my traditional territory on the lands of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Huron-Wendat peoples, but I always knew where I came from. My life has been undeniably shaped by colonialism. The impact of the residential school system is evident in my family in very real and very heartbreaking ways. I am extremely lucky that throughout my childhood, although I grew up outside of community, the connection was never really lost. I was always told about where my family came from and the women who made it possible for me to be here.

My maternal grandmother, Edith Hodgson, was a residential school survivor. She attended Sacred Heart residential school in Fort Providence, NWT and Grollier Hall in Inuvik, NWT. Unfortunately, due to all the trauma she experienced during her time at these schools, she struggled with substance use throughout her life and passed away due to alcoholism-related health complications before I was born. Though I never got to meet her, I have heard many stories about her and have always felt a strong connection to her. Many of my relatives have shared with me the beautiful versions of Edith that they all got to know, which helps me feel even closer to her. Every time I hear a new story, it’s like being given another piece of her to keep forever, building the most beautiful mosaic in my mind. She was funny, she was strong, she was smart, and she was brave.

It’s because of the strong connection I’ve always felt to my grandmother that I started beading. Growing up, my mom kept a pair of moccasins and mittens that my grandmother had made and beaded many years ago. They were made from smoked hide, so not only were they so incredibly beautiful, but they smelled amazing (if you know, you know!). When I was young, I couldn’t fully grasp why these items were so special to my mom, or why holding them felt so sacred, but now I understand the weight they carry and the strength they symbolize. In 2018, I was encouraged by a mentor of mine to pick up beading. When I told her I had no idea where to start, she gifted me some supplies and told me to try anyway. The rest is history, as they say.

I chose the name Beaded Legacy for my small business because I’ve decided that Residential School will not be the only legacy that my family carries, and it certainly will not be the most important one. My grandmother wasn’t just a survivor of trauma, she wasn’t just her damage. She was strong, she was resilient, she was funny, she loved to sing. She has left so much of that behind; in my mom, myself, and my sisters. She only had one daughter and that daughter had me. I am only here today because of her ability to overcome and endure. My family is impacted by intergenerational trauma, but we embody intergenerational strength and love. I am a piece of my grandmother’s legacy and the earrings that I create are pieces of mine. Each pair of Beaded Legacy earrings that go out into the world represents something that, if residential schools had been successful, wouldn’t exist. That is why I do what I do. It’s for her, it’s for me, it’s for all of us.

I am a registered member with my community - the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells. As someone who grew up and lives away from home, I am doing my best to be an active community member from afar and visit when I am able. I am so grateful for my family in Norman Wells who are always loving and kind to me. I strive to live my life in accordance with the Dene Laws and recognize that I am responsible for living my life in a good way. I carry a deep sense of knowing that I am accountable to my community at the forefront of everything I do.

Mahsi cho for taking the time to read a little bit about me.