For Christine Dunbar, beading started out as a way to pass time during the pandemic.
Her beadwork has since been showcased in galleries across Canada, featured in markets, and even worn in Vogue magazine.
Dunbar, born and raised in Yellowknife, comes from a family with deep roots in Inuvik and Aklavik. Though she had always
admired beaded jewelry, it wasn't until she felt stuck in her dorm room during the pandemic that she decided to try to make her own.
“I was in Lethbridge for my undergrad, and I really loved buying beaded earrings,” Dunbar said.
“I thought I would give it a try, so I went to Michaels craft store and bought all the materials even though I had no idea what I was doing.”
Undiscouraged, she turned to YouTube tutorials, learning through trial and error.
Beaded loons by Christine Dunbar (Auntie Beading). Photo: Submitted
What started as a personal project soon became Auntie Beading, a brand that is now recognized at markets in Alberta
and the Northwest Territories. Dunbar's work has gained attention beyond art fairs. Her earrings have been featured in
galleries in Montreal and Vancouver, while one of her proudest moments came when Indigenous model Willow Allen wore
a pair of her beaded earrings in a Vogue article. While most of her skills were self-taught, Dunbar credits fellow
Yellowknife-based beader April Bell for helping to refine her technique.
“She invited me over one night and helped me get started with flat stitching,” Dunbar said.
“She also let me sell my work at her pop-up market, which really helped me when I was still figuring things out.”
Beaded Steger mukluks by Christine Dunbar (Auntie Beading). Photo: Submitted
Despite her growing recognition, Dunbar prefers to maintain creative freedom rather than take custom orders. “I used to
do them but I found they took away from my creativity,” she said. “I like making a piece and then moving on to something
completely different. I’ll only take custom orders if it’s a really interesting request.” Most of her sales happen through
Instagram – @auntie.beading – but she recently reopened her website and continues to participate in art markets, including
Yellowknife's annual Folk on the Rocks music festival. “I try to have close to 100 pieces ready for Folk on the Rocks each year,”
she said. “It takes a long time, so I'm usually preparing for that.”
A beaded hair clip by Christine Dunbar (Auntie Beading). Photo: Submitted
Dunbar is the Land and Water Boards of the Mackenzie Valley artist of the month this May for her beaded piece inspired by water,
a theme that holds personal significance for her. “I was working for the water management and monitoring division with the GNWT,”
she said. “I spent a lot of time out on the land, testing water and fish, and I got to work with a lot of amazing Indigenous communities
and listening to them – how water is important to them. "In the Northwest Territories there's water everywhere – lakes and streams
and rivers – and I know it's important for many, many communities, so I thought that would be a good theme to highlight for the North.
In May, I feel like that's when things really start to thaw, and you start seeing the water running again in the Northwest Territories."
Christine Dunbar's water-themed beaded flower. Sarah Pruys/Cabin Radio
Dunbar's beaded flower mirrors water by using shiny Charlotte-cut beads of varying blues. She also incorporate gems to make
the piece sparkle and show the different aspects and colors of water.
While she continues to expand her craft, Dunbar remains dedicated to creating pieces that reflect the North and her Inuvialuit and Cree heritage.
“I love creating art about the North,” she said, “and I think I'll continue that for a long time.”
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.