The designs, colour and spatial placements reflect the environment from which they were created. The material speaks for itself. Each piece illustrates these elements simply and beautifully. From these art forms I have created my own pieces that will carry on the tradition of design, colour and craftsmanship.

My ability to create comes from my mother. She taught me to see beauty in my world even when things where dark. My inspiration in my designs comes from my great grandfather Stumik Sapop, Bull Plume. Until his death in 1920, he maintained a Winter Count ledger, beginning in 1764, that recorded significant events in Blackfoot history for each year. Each small pictographic image carried with it a story for that event. Blackfoot history, our history, told by us, became visible to the outside world.

“Perseverance and dreams have guided me down this path as a jeweller/artist, and I am grateful and humbled. My mentors have taught me to see and experience a deeper connection with humility and prayer, which is a connection of rebirth, strength and knowledge.

I use many traditional materials from our ecosystem and while I put these on non-traditional bases (silver) I remember who I am and where I come from. Miisamosoko, the Ancient Road, was the trail of my grandparents and great grandparents who were all prominent ceremonialists among the Blackfoot. It is my obligation and privilege to carry this on for my people and to bring an awareness of these values to the non-Indigenous world.”

Albertine Crow Shoe