Meet the creator
About Joanne
First and foremost, I am a kokum, mother, and wife. Family is at the heart of who I am and continues to guide my work as an author, artist, and cultural creator.
I am a proud Métis woman from Conklin, Alberta, with a lifelong commitment to culture, community, and connection. I take great pride in the cultural arts and teachings that have been generously shared with me by knowledgeable Elders and knowledge keepers from my community and the surrounding region. I carry those teachings with gratitude and do my best to honour them by sharing what I have learned with younger generations.
My dedication to culture and community has been recognized in several meaningful ways. In 2016, I was honoured as Female Citizen of the Year at the Wood Buffalo Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards. In 2024, I was also honoured with the Culture Award. These recognitions reflect work that has always been deeply personal to me—helping preserve cultural knowledge, strengthening community connections, and encouraging others to take pride in who they are.
My creative work is rooted in both Métis and Treaty traditions. I am a traditional jigger and singer, an author, a seamstress, and an experienced beader known for detailed and colourful designs. My beadwork includes handcrafted earrings, brooches, lanyards, pendants, and intricate embellishments for ribbon skirts, shirts, and regalia. I also create ribbon skirts, fur mittens, moccasins, and slippers that bring together cultural meaning, beauty, and practical use.
Every piece I create carries a personal connection to the teachings, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations. Beading and sewing are more than creative interests to me—they are ways of honouring the knowledge that has been gifted to me and helping ensure it continues to be shared respectfully.
I believe knowledge and understanding are essential to building stronger relationships. When people learn, create, and work on meaningful projects together, they also have opportunities to listen to one another, challenge stereotypes, and move beyond the unspoken boundaries that cause division. Through my books, artwork, and cultural projects, I hope to create welcoming opportunities for people to learn, grow, and connect.
