‘Canvas mukluks connect me with my grandma and my culture’

‘Canvas mukluks connect me with my grandma and my culture’Sponsored Content·Updated:February 28, 2026Sunday March 1, 2026 at 6:00am MTA pair of beaded mittens made with sealskin and fox fur by Ashley Jacobson. Photo: Submitted Share Sponsored Ashley Jacobson made her first pair of moccasins when she was only in Grade 3. A local Elder, Lucy Cockney, was teaching home economics at Tuktoyaktuk’s Mangilaluk School and taught the girls in the class how to sew and bead. “We all successfully completed a pair,” said Jacobson, who has developed her trade ever since. “When I had my first daughter was when I really started getting interested and just wanted to create things for my daughter.” Jacobson is the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley’s artist of the month for March. Her featured work includes sealskin and fox fur mittens with beaded centres.Advertisement.Advertisement. Ashley Jacobson made these beaded mittens with sealskin and fox fur. Photo: Submitted She also made mukluks for her family for Christmas, saying it was something her nana did for her dad, uncles and grandpa each year. “I was actually able to do that. My partner, my dad and my brother all received canvas mukluks from me, and for me it was a way of connecting with my grandma, who isn’t here any more, and just carrying on the tradition and the culture,” she said.  “That was the highlight for my Christmas, that I actually got them completed, and they were all so happy.” Jacobson not only credits Cockney for passing on traditional skills, but also Donna Johns, Brian (Nunki) Rogers and her biological mother.Advertisement.Advertisement. When she was younger, she found sewing could be frustrating – but as time went on and her skills grew, she found it to be calming and stress relieving.  “I like to sit in my classes that don’t require taking notes, and I’ll just sit there, kind-of like listening to a podcast, and I would bead,” she said. A beaded piece by Ashley Jacobson. Photo: Submitted Jacobson is currently taking business administration at Aurora College’s Inuvik campus, and also works full-time for the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation. Since she’s in school, she says beading and sewing helps bring in some extra income – and as an added bonus, it makes her feel proud when people purchase her work. “I either try to create different patterns or different colours, or different stencils,” she said. “I always try to make everything different. I try to make sure not everything is the same.” The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley have relaunched and expanded the Beading Series. The Indigenous Artists Showcase will feature an artist every other month beginning in January. An artist will be selected based on the theme for that month (such as jewellery, clothing or accessories). Artists who submit an image of their work will receive $25. The selected artist will receive $250. Check out the boards’ Facebook page for information on when and how to submit your work. Related Articles