Oceanloverjen Metis Bead Artist

Meet the Maker/Organizer @oceanloverjen

I am Jen, a Metis beader, mother to 2 sons and Auntie to many. I am originally from Manitoba and living as a guest on the Lekwungen speaking Traditional Territory on the westcoast of Vancouver Island since 1979. My Mother is Métis/First Nations and my Father is Ukranian. Living here brings me so much inspiration from all of the natural beauty of the ocean and forests. My heart is with the old growth trees, all the waters, oceans and creatures. I love working with abalone shells, semi precious stones and miyuki beads.

I have been beading and sewing since I was a teen and in the past 5 years I have been embracing more of my Mètis teachings, culture, beadwork and even learning a bit of Michif. We the Métis, are known as the Flower Beadwork People. Beading grounds me, connects me to my ancestors, is my medicine and my gift to share.