Hello, my name is Julie, and I am an Anishinaabe kwe from Nipissing First Nation.

I am a 60s scoop survivor and grew up disconnected and lost. I battled through life with pieces of me missing until I was stopped short by a serious illness. It was then I realized I had to find peace and my missing pieces while I still had a chance. When my gookmis passed before I had an opportunity to meet her, I felt drawn "home" to find my lasting relatives. I found them!! With their love and support I reconnected with courage and purpose.

Then when my illness took almost everything, I turned to the beads. I had no idea that the beads could teach me mino-bimaadzawin. As I develop this relationship with my beadwork, I learn the greatest lessons in patience and humility, listening intently. I soon declared "I bead to live" - literally! Until my creators meet me, I will cherish this relationship and the teachings the beads share. I am drawn now to the natural world as reflected in my work as I develop my skill and connection to my Indigeneity.