Beadwork by Lucyann Menicoche. Photos: Submitted
For Lucyann Menicoche, beading is much more than just a craft – it’s a tradition, a passion and her full-time job.
Menicoche, who is from Tsiigehtchic and now lives in Fort Simpson, said she learned the skill from her mother when she was just eight years old.
Her mother, Mary Natsie, instilled in her the importance of patience and dedication, encouraging her to redo her work if it was unsatisfactory. Years later, she still collaborates with her mother on projects.
“My mom would say if you don’t like the way your sewing looks, you take it apart and redo it,” Menicoche said. “So any time I hate how my work looks, I take it apart and I do it again.”
Moccasin uppers beaded by Lucyann Menicoche. Photo: Submitted
Those teachings have helped her approach to beading while keeping her connected to her family’s culture.
Now, as an adult, beading remains an essential part of her daily life.
Due to arthritis, Lucyann is unable to work a traditional job, making beading her primary source of income. Despite the physical challenges, she dedicates long hours to her craft, often starting first thing in the morning and beading late into the evening.
“I usually start from morning and keep going until supper,” she said. “Sometimes, when it’s daylight, then I’ll sew to eight or nine at night.”
“I will even work late into the night if I have a lot of orders,” she continued, adding the appreciation she gets from her customers is what keeps her going.
Menicoche said beading projects are a family affair. She sews and beads while her mother creates the designs to ensure a stream of new patterns. Many of the designs are influenced by nature, particularly flowers, which are a signature part of her work.
“My mom draws the most beautiful flowers,” she said. “I trace them and turn them into beadwork. It’s really special to bring her designs to life.”
A pattern drawn by Mary Natsie and beaded by Lucyann Menicoche. Photo: Submitted
Menicoche primarily works with Delica size 11 beads, known for their bright and vibrant colour.
“I ask my daughter and my husband to help me pick colours, that’s how I get my colours sometimes,” she shared. “Or else, sometimes I’ll just sit here and look at all my colours and try to match them to make them look beautiful.”
She sells her work through email and phone orders.
This March, she was selected as the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley’s artist of the month.
“Beading keeps my mind busy,” she says. “It’s something I love to do, and it’s a part of who I am.”
Each piece carries the legacy of her mother’s teachings, ensuring that the tradition continues for generations to come.
To place an order for beadwork, contact Menicoche by calling 867-695-6788 or emailing her.
The Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley have launched a year-long Indigenous flower beading series that celebrate and promote northern Indigenous beadwork.
All artists who submit work will receive $25 for each month they propose a theme and idea for a beaded flower. The artist whose theme and flower are selected for each month will receive an additional $250.
To submit a theme and idea for an accompanying flower design, contact the boards through the new Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley Facebook page, or call Christan at 867-765-4592.
