About the Artist

Catherine

Cat is an Algonquin beader and ribbon garment maker whose work is rooted in Indigenous tradition, care, and lived experience. She creates beaded pieces and sewn garments such as ribbon skirts, ribbon aprons, and dresses, approaching each piece with patience, intention, and respect for the cultural knowledge it carries.

Her practice is deeply connected to community and storytelling, using making as a way to honour identity, continuity, and relationships. Alongside her creative work, Cat serves as the Creative Coordinator for the Indigenous Student Council at Western, where she supports Indigenous expression and creates spaces for visibility, connection, and shared learning.

In Her Own Words

"I started creating because I was drawn to it. Beading and sewing became ways for me to slow down, learn, and connect more deeply with my culture and myself. At first, I was just figuring things out as I went, but over time the process became grounding and meaningful. Making turned into a way to hold stories, care, and intention in something physical. It's still how I learn, reflect, and show respect through my hands."

— Catherine

Workshop

Sharing the Practice

My first ever beading workshop at the university marked an important moment in my practice. Teaching for the first time made me more aware of the care, responsibility, and openness that come with sharing knowledge. The focus wasn't on perfection, but on creating a space where people could learn through doing and feel comfortable engaging with the process. Since then, I've been invited by members from sister campuses to teach workshops for their classes and clubs, reinforcing for me how making can build connection, trust, and community.