Ash, who identifies as Tłı̨chǫ Dene Indigiqueer from Yellowknife, is the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley artist of the month this June for her piece, which incorporates colours of the various LGBTQ2S+ flags.

They first began beading after attending a workshop hosted by Christine Dunbar – known on social media as Auntie Beading, and last month’s artist of the month – at Yellowknife’s Old Town Ramble and Ride festival in 2021.

The workshop was just two hours, but it was enough to get Ash hooked. Since then, they’ve continued to experiment and grow in the art form, and recently had their beadwork showcased in Victoria, BC.

^{A series of beaded pieces created for Pride month. Photo: Keira Ash}

Inspiration comes from anything and everything. One pair was inspired by Chappell Roan’s song Hot to Go!, while Halloween led to “little ghosties.” Ash has also designed pieces inspired by the changing seasons and sunrises. 

Most recently, Ash put together a rainbow-coloured collection for Pride month and sold them at an Indigenous pop-up shop in Victoria.

The flower piece featured by the land and water boards came about after Ash won a Jameson whiskey hat at a comedy show.

^{The beaded flower before it is stitched onto a hat to cover the Jameson logo. Photo: Keira Ash}

^{Ash wearing the completed piece. Photo: Keira Ash}

They were newly sober at the time, and it felt odd to wear the hat around.

“So I made this flower as a cover-up of sorts for it,” they said. “But the creation of the flower was a really fulfilling process, I will say. It took a long time. It’s the biggest piece I’ve ever made to date.

“For me, as an Indigiqueer person, I just really wanted to give that gift to these young baby Indigiqueer Two Spirit youth that I was working with –  like you are seen, you are loved, like you are part of this. And I feel like sometimes that gets lost in the various processes of colonization and not feeling comfortable in being who you are.”

^{The beaded flower halfway completed and matching earrings. Photo: Keira Ash}

^{The back of the beaded flower piece. Photo: Keira Ash}

Each petal of the flower is different, which gave Ash freedom to experiment, mixing Delica beads with seed beads.

While they are grateful for opportunities to be featured as an artist, Ash wants people to remember: “We are so much more than just a cute pair of earrings, and it’s really important that people know that and try to recognize that.

^{A submitted photo of Keira Ash.}

“Also I just want to say I really am hopeful for the future of our communities. We’re all learning and growing together. 

“Working in schools with the next generation inspires me to create a better world for them, where they are seen and loved, for who they are. The previous generations have paved the path so we can continue to grow in this way and I am forever grateful.”

Find Ash on Instagram at @gremlin.hours.

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.