Catherine Blondin
Catherine Blondin is a Shúhtaot’ı̨nę (Mountain Dene) artist, educator, and facilitator. Through her small business O'te Sews, Catherine works with locally-sourced materials and traditional practices, such as hides, quills, beading, and tufting, to make small-batch jewellery, moccasins, mitts, purses, and other wearable pieces. She also teaches traditional sewing techniques rooted in Dene culture and community. Inspired by the Land and her ancestors, Catherine's work uplifts Indigenous makers, inspires youth, and celebrates the brilliance of northern artistry.
Catherine has roots in Tulı́t’a, was raised in Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson), and is now based in Yellowknife. She has been beading and sewing since she was a child, learning first from watching her grandmother, who passed away when Catherine was young, and later from watching her aunties. After completing a Native studies and education degree (she also has a master's in education), Catherine taught in communities across the North. Each community had beading or sewing circles with talented Elders and knowledge holders who graciously shared their knowledge and skills with Catherine.
Catherine makes art to practice her culture and heal from her own experiences. Having a creative outlet is good for her mental and spiritual health. It brings her a sense of calm and peace, and makes her feel connected to all the people that came before her.
Catherine has roots in Tulı́t’a, was raised in Lı́ı́dlı̨ı̨ Kų́ę́ (Fort Simpson), and is now based in Yellowknife. She has been beading and sewing since she was a child, learning first from watching her grandmother, who passed away when Catherine was young, and later from watching her aunties. After completing a Native studies and education degree (she also has a master's in education), Catherine taught in communities across the North. Each community had beading or sewing circles with talented Elders and knowledge holders who graciously shared their knowledge and skills with Catherine.
Catherine makes art to practice her culture and heal from her own experiences. Having a creative outlet is good for her mental and spiritual health. It brings her a sense of calm and peace, and makes her feel connected to all the people that came before her.