by Jackie Traverse and Carrie Okemaw
"Tansi! Aniin (Hello). My name is Carrie Okemaw and I currently live in Edmonton, Alberta (Amiskwaciwâskahikan). My father is from Manto Sipi Cree Nation, Manitoba and my mother is from Berens River First Nation, Manitoba. I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba which is in Treaty 1 territory…For the last 20 years, I have been beading and sewing traditional powwow outfits. Within the last 2 years, I started graphic design art and consider myself a self-taught graphic designer.
My biggest influences include my late grandmothers and my late aunt Margaret Okemaw. They taught me the importance of knowing who you are, appreciating where you are from and to create art based on our rich cultural heritage.
Within my art, I embrace both my Cree and Ojibway cultural knowledge and traditional teachings."
Carrie's distinct flower print, outlined in white, jump off the boldly coloured backgrounds of these cotton poplins, the perfect addition to any outfit.