Indigenous market in Quidi Vidi boosts confidence of vendors

On Saturday afternoon, nine Indigenous artists and crafters opened their market at Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios — some for the first time.

Isabella White, from York Harbour, was selling jewelry she made from cod leather and sweetgrass that she picked and braided. She says this is the first market she has ever attended, and that putting her work out on display was a very vulnerable experience.

"There's definitely a fear of rejection," White said.

She has been creating art from a young age and often gifted her work to friends, she says.

A few weeks ago, White joined a program called Craft Your Business, offered through a partnership between the Artisan Studios and the Ulnooweg Foundation.

For 10 weeks, the nine participants in the current cohort met virtually from across the province to learn business skills, said Jane Walker, interim manager of the Artisan Studios.

"I'm an artist myself and the business skills don't come naturally," Walker said, adding that self-doubt in one's ability creeps in.

For White, meeting the other participants gave her the boost she needed to start her business.

"This group has really helped sort of squash a lot of self doubt or insecurity, and I think we've really lifted each other up and helped build the confidence in ourselves and in the work."

At an adjacent table, Jordin Burden had her hands busy with threads and beads. Her table displayed an array of earrings. She says she only started beading two years ago, inspired by a workshop led by First Light, an organization that provides programs and services rooted in Indigenous cultures and languages.

"I get a lot of inspiration from different artists in the Indigenous community," Burden said. "I draw a lot of inspiration from my Inuit culture."

Self-doubt as an artist isn't new to her either.

"I've definitely been on a journey of learning how to price my time and my work. Everyone's been very supportive."

Juliette Onalik's table showcased prints of her drawings, inspired by her culture and upbringing in Labrador.

"I feel like we're taking back our space and revitalizing our culture," Onalik said about the event. "I'm trying to revitalize my culture and learn as much as possible."

White says that having a market for Indigenous artists is incredibly meaningful.

"It's an immense exposure that I don't think we would ever have access to in our home communities. So it's really instrumental in building our practice and building our careers."

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