Pauline Tardiff
Pauline Tardiff was born at Stanton, an outpost camp on the Anderson River in the Northwest Territories. Her mother, Kisaun Jean Allen, was born in Alaska, but raised at Herschel Island, Yukon, by her adoptive parents, Idluun and Kuutuuq. Her father, Augustin "Gus" Tardiff, was raised in Fort Vermillion, Alberta, by his parents, Joseph Tardiff from Belgium and Maryann Lafferty from Old Fort Rae.
Pauline's family eventually moved to the Delta. They had a camp at Martin's Creek, close to their home in Akłarvik. They also went whaling and fishing in the summer. While on the Land, Pauline and her siblings were immersed in their way of life: harvesting plants and animals, making tools, mending fish nets, and sewing clothing. As Pauline learned to sew, her mother lovingly and gently guided her work.
It was only after she retired from a long career in education as a teacher, school administrator, superintendent, and assistant deputy minister that Pauline was able to pursue her interest in the arts.
Today, Pauline is an interdisciplinary artist based in Tthebacha (Fort Smith). Her work is inspired by the Land and her experience with her parents. Pauline uses sealskin, moosehide, beaver, muskrate, and fox pelts to express her artistry. This work is very therapeutic for her.
Pauline's family eventually moved to the Delta. They had a camp at Martin's Creek, close to their home in Akłarvik. They also went whaling and fishing in the summer. While on the Land, Pauline and her siblings were immersed in their way of life: harvesting plants and animals, making tools, mending fish nets, and sewing clothing. As Pauline learned to sew, her mother lovingly and gently guided her work.
It was only after she retired from a long career in education as a teacher, school administrator, superintendent, and assistant deputy minister that Pauline was able to pursue her interest in the arts.
Today, Pauline is an interdisciplinary artist based in Tthebacha (Fort Smith). Her work is inspired by the Land and her experience with her parents. Pauline uses sealskin, moosehide, beaver, muskrate, and fox pelts to express her artistry. This work is very therapeutic for her.