ᐊᐱᐢᒋ. ᒥᐦᑯ. ᓰᐱᕀ ᒪᐦᑫᓰᐢ

red river fox shop

ᑕᐣᓯ

Tân'si // Hello

Hello from the ‘Red River Fox Shop’ – A Métis-owned private home studio located within the historic village of Merrickville, Ontario.

I offer handmade and small-batch artwork, mainly contemporary beadwork guided by traditional practices, rooted in cultural continuity and pedagogy.

I live and work along the Rideau River or Pasapkedjinawong, 'the river that passes between the rocks'. – Within The unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin people: the original caretakers of the land. This area is part of the greater Ottawa River watershed or Kichi Sibi. Also, sometimes called The Ottawa Valley.

Open in person *by appointment only* - for select custom projects.

Limited edition collections are available online, or at select art markets.

Field notes

Anna is Métis with roots in the West, where her family lived with Métis kin and in community with many diverse First ​Nations. Her father was born on Peace River near Fort Vermilion, Alberta – Treaty 8 – MNA Region 6 – Named for the ​vermilion-coloured clays lining the river banks, and the impassible vermillion chutes upstream from Peace River. This area ​was inhabited by Dunneza, Dene, and then Cree long before the arrival of European traders and settlers. Fort Vermillion, ​Fort Chipewyan, and Red River are just a few of the areas her family has called home.

Anna grew up on the Waterford Ponds – part of the Grand River Watershed – The traditional home of Six Nations. She ​currently lives next door to the Rideau River – MNO Region 6 – The traditional territory of many aboriginal nations ​including the Algonquin peoples – The customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its ​tributaries including the Rideau River. Originally named by the Algonquins as Pasapkedjiwanong, “the river that runs ​between the rocks.”

Anna is a Métis artist with a background in Local Economic Development. Her primary medium is beadwork, mainly ​embroidery, loom, and stitch styles. With a focus on weaving threads of thought with fibre art. She is also an illustrator, ​painter, web designer, digital storyteller, and occasionally a casual muralist. Her work is thoughtfully designed and created ​with spirit, story, and significance. Each piece is carefully crafted by hand, guided by traditional craft, rooted in cultural ​continuity, and inspired by a deep interest in the intersection of art, ecology, kinship, and reciprocity.

Anna has formerly been called to flex her local leadership skills and granted the privilege of working on a number of ​Economic Development projects in collaboration with some notably amazing public servants at the City of Toronto. ​However, recently she has also truly cherished the time she has been afforded to explore her more artistic side, during ​the transition to her first home in the Village of Merrickville in the Ottawa Valley.

Outside of creating, Anna is passionate about promoting the function and processes of native plants, conservation ​efforts, land stewardship, ecosystem restoration. regenerative systems, bio-design, adaptation and mitigation strategies ​for climate change, and nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration.

ᑭᓇᓈᐢᑯᒥᑎᐣ // Kinanâskomitin // Thank you, I appreciate you

As a small ‘Thank You’ to express my appreciation for your ongoing encouragement and support, I will be offering an additional ongoing giveaway throughout 2024.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect here with like minded folks from all walks of life and lived experiences. To have deeper dialogues about diverse worldviews and shared perspectives.

Every new moon cycle I will be gifting one surprise pair of lunar phases, in a randomly selected colour, to someone who places an online order.

As an artist and small business owner I am always grateful to receive new orders and thrilled to share my work.

Threads of thought IN CONNECTION

to THIS BEADWORK

🪡…In what ways do you observe the quiet natural rhythms of your own life?

Which concept of time resonates most with you - the constructed calendar, or your natural environment and ​cycles?

What priorities or agendas (self-imposed or external pressure) do you think may influence your concepts of ​time, especially in relation to productivity, rest, connection, or isolation?

Consider how the moon and sun are seen from many perspectives, latitudes, longitudes, environments and ​hemispheres. How does this concept compare and contrast to the idea of adherence to a “global calendar”?

Has anyone ever taught you about the rhythms of the moon – the unique phases of each cycle? Any spiritual ​attributes, links to the land, or our own biology?

Has your cultural community shared any stories related to the moon? If so where did you first hear that story? ​What themes, lessons, or threads of thought can you identify in these stories?

How could committing to honouring the moon cycles, and better observing the lunar phases be considered an ​act of rematriation or decolonization?

…🧵

The Little mahkêsîs

// fox from red river

Known for their playfulness and independence, foxes recognize the ​importance of healthy boundaries and value their peace. They are ​highly observant yet unassuming, carefully taking note of their ​surroundings with the goal of living a communal life of abundance ​and comfort. These mischievous and playful spirits move in silence ​unless they choose to make themselves known.

Foxes are resilient and carry generational knowledge in the ways of ​subsistence: finding food, facing extreme weather, outwitting ​predators, and protecting their young. Foxes have highly developed ​social systems, forming strong pair bonds and raising "kits" ​communally. Foxes are a symbol of protection and resilience,

Within many stories from different communities, including my own, ​A fox's spiritual presence can often represent a guide to someone's ​destined path. They also symbolize personal growth and spiritual ​expansion. So seeing a fox could mean that you have a situation ​that needs to be solved. Foxes may present spiritual wisdom to ​help direct you if you are open to connection, This can be a good ​way to find intention and peace as you move through the wolrd.

False Truths ​of racial ​Capitalism

VS

What Nature ​Teaches us ​Instead

Cultural Continuity

Beading is medicine – it encourages us to find moments of reflection and grounding while we work.

Beading is one of many pathways to reconnecting with and reclaiming aspects of our respective indigenous cultures and rooted traditions.

To be able to learn and speak our languages while we do this is especially powerful.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from some elders and knowledge keepers along the way, including ancestral languages.

Thank you to Dr Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis – nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) instructor, researcher and writer – for sharing teachings and Cree language.

As well as Koohkoom Marie Schoenthal for sharing stories and lessons on Michif, including a few Métis songs.

I am also grateful to my first teacher of embroidery style beadwork – Marissa Magneson - Cree-Métis artist, photographer, educator, and workshop facilitator with a deep understanding of beadwork as pedagogy.

Kinanâskomitin

Artistic Process

I would say that most of the threads of thought that my work grows from center in some common themes.

more soon...

Client work

All custom pieces designed for my amazing clients are created with spirit, story, and significance.

Follow along as I document my creative process,

It’s not every day you see your beadwork worn on Global News at 11! 💧

POV: Watching your local @globalnews Weather Specialist Kim Sullivan receive your beadwork via @canadapostagram and wearing them on air the same day 🥰

It felt very surreal and also uplifting to see my work on screen. I love that Kim is making an intentional choice to represent indigenous art through her choice of earrings, and I’m honoured to get to be a part of that.

Thank you @kimsulli for celebrating indigenous artists and continuing to share your love of beadwork with the world! 💕

Recent work

03

Each beadwork is carefully crafted by hand, guided by traditional craft, and influenced by a deep interest in art and ecology.

Creative Collaborations

I am currently looking to connect with other artists who examine. similar themes throughout their work, or are interested in reciprocal expansion...

I am hoping to identify relevant organizations that have interestes in developing an ongoing engagement processes to collaborate with artists in partnership for purpose driven projects, I am especially interested in helping to spread awareness of Species at Risk.

I am always open to exploring collaborations with indigenous kin. especially with my Family’s community in Treaty 8, Alberta or indigenous folks living in the Ottawa Valley

Memberships + AFFILIATIONS

More soon ...

A QUICK NOTE ON SHOWING SUPPORT IN A GOOD WAY

Please note that when buying beadwork it’s important to consider buying indigenous-made and not “indigenous-inspired” or “southwestern-inspired” designs. There is a world of a difference between buying from native artists directly vs supporting big corporations or individuals who profit from cultural appropriation.

Please support Indigenous – First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Makers and Artists directly, if you can.

Identity theft and cultural appropriation are a huge issue today so please consider due diligence to avoid supporting individuals who market themselves as pan-indigenous. Indigenous identity is complex and nuanced, but a key indicator of validity is a connection to a specific living community, traditional language, federal status (specifically for First Nations), or kinship . There are also many reconecting natives who are returning to community, after experiencing state-sanctioned colonial violence, displacement or assimilation (ie residential schools and the 60's scoop),. Please keep in mind that a distant relative, or DNA ancestry discovery is not enough. to self-identify, and that self-identifying should never be weaponized to take away resources, and opportunities from marginalized communities. Specifically as Métis descendants and future ancestors, I believe that we have a moral imperative to stand in solidarity with First Nations, and to advocate for collective liberation.

Some online markets and directories can be trusted sources...

The Manitobah Indigenous Market or Sawish Marketplace are two great additional examples of online platforms that verify authenticity.

Shop Métis, where I am listed for example, requires all their vendors to provide their Métis cards as proof of citizenship.

I personally also participate in some select markets that are open to the general public or local makers like Merrickville’s Makers Market. I do however prefer to engage with event coordinators who are knowledgeable about collective liberation, and decolonial movements. Coordinators that actively exercise inclusionary outreach efforts and are committed to confronting inequities are where it’s at!

FAQ’s

Q: Is it okay to purchase and wear beadwork as a non-native person?

Yes! ...with some exceptions ... ie it’s not appropriate to wear beaded regalia for example)

A percentage of funds from all sales will go to support equity-seeking indigenous communities and indigenous-led environmental initiatives.

I'm currently in the process of researching specific organizations and will provide updates on those selected. If you have a recommendation please feel free to let me know! I am leaning towards something akin to Land Needs Guardians – Specifically Indigenous led and centered in ecological restoration and regenerative practices – I have reached out to them, but have yet to hear back.

Free shipping within Canada

ᒪᐦᑫᓰᐢ

Upcoming Events

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Offerings

ᐊᐱᐦᑕᐃᐧᑯᓯᓴᐣ

Introduction

Tân’si nitôtêmak // Hello, how are you my friends?

My name is Anna, and I am a Métis Artist currently living in the Ottawa area – MNO Region 6 – The traditional territory of many aboriginal nations including the Algonquins – the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed and its tributaries.

From a philosophical perspective, our interpretations of water can reveal our sense of identity – Our sense of place and purpose in the world.

Proximity to water has always contributed to my sense of identity. Through my Cree ancestors a sacred life source and through my Métis ancestors additionally a boundary to push back ​from - and the birth place of the Red River resistance.

My happiest days have been spent being lifted; elevated by waves – and my lowest days held by the water; in stillness but with a hope of renewal.

Even my last name (passed down through my European ancestors paternally) has served as a central and evolving theme of understanding in relation to water... A kind of personal ​exploration into allegorical narrative ... unlearning false truths of racial capitalism and looking to what nature teaches us instead.

Historically problematic “Dredging” operations have been largely industrial in nature and often create turbidity plumes. Excess turbidity in the water has the potential to trigger permanent ​and damaging impacts to our marine environment. Management can be especially tricky as dredge plumes are not always visible from the surface.

So through my settler relatives, I am also given lessons - I am reminded of my responsibility of good stewardship and water protection. I am reminded of my capacity to reduce harm. To ​always seek deeper answers and action that is in balance with the complex web of life that surrounds me. To move slowly, but with guided intention, creating ripples of positive gentle ​impact. To seek a life more rooted in cultural continuity, liberation, justice, and community connection.

What natural elements of the environment impact your sense of identity?

What factors contribute to your sense of ‘place’ or ‘placelessness’?

How does connection with the water make you feel?

A sense of place can be a powerful tool when it comes to environmental stewardship. Understanding people's values for coastal and freshwater areas is critical for identifying concerns and motivating people to protect water resources.

Our family has Indigenous roots in the West, where we lived with our Métis kin and in community with ​many diverse First Nations in Northern Alberta // Treaty 8.

My grandmother (Vina Martha Cardinal), Her parents (Agnes and Augustin Cardinal), and My Father ​(Keith Dredge) were. all born on Peace River. My grandmother, like her parents, was born in and spent ​most of her early years in Fort Vermilion. My Dad was later born in the Town of Peace River.

We are Métis – also sometimes more widely known as :

Red River Métis (ref to the red river resistance/rebellion)

Michif (hybrid language – French and Cree)

The Flower Beadwork People

Apihtawikosisan ᐊᐱᐦᑕᐃᐧᑯᓯᓴᐣ (half breed/son)

Nêhiyaw âpihtawikosisân

Nêhiyaw kisîmis (younger sister/cousin)

Half Breeds (often used in a derogatory way historically)

Otipemisiwak (something akin to free people)

Fort Vermilion 1930 (Between 1828 and 1831, Fort Vermilion moved 90 kilometers to its current location on the southern bank of the Peace River.)

Fort Vermillion was established in the late 1700s’ as a trading post opposite the mouth of the Vermillion River where it enters Peace River. The name reflects the red-coloured clays lining the river banks, upstream of the impassible Vermilion chutes.

The area was inhabited by Dunneza (Beaver), Dene, and Cree long before the arrival of European traders and settlers.

Community members and kin have hunted, trapped, fished, farmed, and gardened for time immemorial and many continue this relationship with the land there today, or other areas throughout turtle island, as some have migrated or been displaced.

I am of the first generation born in Ontario in my direct family line, as my Dad was born in Peace River Alberta, moving to Ontario with my Grandparents as my Grandpa Jack sought out employment opportunities to support the growing family. My Dad has 5 beautiful sisters - Gail, Deloras, Nancy, Yvonne, and Jackie.

Fort Vermillion, Fort Chipewyan, and Red River are just a few of the areas our family has called home.

I also carry some English, Irish, Polish and Nehiyawak (Cree) ancestry.

Like most indigenous folks, my family has experienced degrees of the many negative impacts of ongoing colonial assimilation tactics, state-sanctioned violence and racism. Notably, My Grandmother was taken to an Indian residential school. A traumatic and destabilizing experience shared by most native folks or relatives across Turtle Island. Although indoctrination through this experience altered her perception of the world by design, she. always maintained her spiritual connection with the land.

My grandmother Vina has shared a lot of lessons with me, even if I didn’t always realize the fullness of ​them in the moment... Although not always outwardly affectionate she was deeply loving and a gentle ​center of resilience and humour. The most flattering compliment my Dad has ever given me to this day is ​that I am “strong like her.” When minding me and my sister Seattle, she taught us to always respect ​nature and to especially cherish our connections with plants and animals.

When I think about her today I most often recall images of her in community - playing card games with ​friends, in the kitchen with my aunties at family reunions, in costume for parade floats with the Lions Club ​ladies. But I also recall moments of a more quiet reflective nature that are more difficult to place into ​narrative.. and leave me wondering more about her thoughts and her inner world.

My Grandpa Jack actually built the house that my sister and I grew up in. I remember thinking about their ​family living there before we were born and what the space may have looked like then. What they would ​have worn, and had for breakfast. In this house I made my first loom bead bracelet, built my first medicine ​bundle, woke up early to collect berries in the summer months, drew thunderbirds with chalk on the ​driveway, played and sang under the paper birch tree in our front yard.

After my grandparents separated, Vina chose to spend most of her later years in the woodlands just ​outside of Minden on the edge of the River, where we used to fish and paddle when we stopped in to ​visit. This is where I remember seeing my first Black bear, and feeding chipmunks, birds, and rabbits in the ​backyard. It’s also where I met her Dog Habbie’s puppies, and developed a love for dogs that has lasted a ​lifetime.

... more soon

Beadwork is one of many pathways for cultural continuity within our respective ​indigenous communities, rooted in traditional pedagogy.

Prairie Rose Moccasins made by my Grandma Vina Cardinal for my Aunt Gail – ​Wild rose hips are important for medicine, sustenance, and crafting. 🌹

Exploring my local wetlands with my boy Pepper.

Over the past few years I have learned a lot about the ecological importance of wetlands in relation to conservation and carbon storage.

Those that lived in The Red River Settlement in the 1700's would have seen dogsleds on ​the road instead of buses, cars, trucks or bikes. Passengers often sat in a cariole ​wrapped in furs for comfort while traveling. Dogs sometimes wore ornate “Tuppis”

Peace River, Fort Vermilion, Fort Chipewyan, Lac La ​Biche, Edmonton, and Red River are a few places ​family has called home.

Some of our family names are Cardinal, Desjarlais, ​Larocque, Tourangeau, and Lafournaise.

>>> Historical map of evolving bison range from ​1876, which reflects the Métis relationship with ​bison as the main source of survival in some areas. ​Many of our historic communities can be found ​within this range, while others may have depended ​more heavily on fishing, and trapping.

Solar maximum is the peak of the solar cycle — when the average number of sunspots is larger than at any other time during the cycle. So, it happens roughly every 11 years but the time between solar maxima can be as short as 9 years or as long as 13 years.

Purple and green auroras reflecting on the Rideau River between some cloud coverage in May 2024 – Multiple CMEs erupted associated with flare activity from Region 3664 on 07-09 May. These CME's merged as expected arriving during a G4 geomagnetic storm and rare NOAA alert creating visible aurora to appear in some middle latitude regions ~ May 10-12

ECO RESTORATION // REGENERATIVE SYSTEMS

Resources

Bee a Good Steward – Ecoregional planting guides for polinators – Pollinator Partnership

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Species at Risk

Invasive Species

Get to know your local wildlife – sign up for an inaturalist account + download the seek app for quick ID and reporting

... (MORE SOON)

True to my Métis roots I am a beader, digital storyteller, ecology enthusiast, and admirer of traditional craft, as well as contemporary indigenous art and fashion.

I am drawn to and inspired by individuals and communities that value indigenous leadership and decolonial dialogue.


I often wonder what life would have been like if our family had stayed more firmly rooted in the prairies. If I have had more opportunities to learn from language and knowledge keepers earlier in life, and how a deeper connection to the land may have changed who I am today.

Would I be more familiar with plant medicines? Would I know how to hunt or practice traditional foodways? Would I have felt a sense of belonging that I lacked growing up? at school? in downtown offices?

It’s hard to pinpoint one reason my grandparents chose to relocate to Ontario, but I suspect this is often a common thread with indigenous kin who find themselves displaced from their traditional territories.

Although our kinship roots are in Alberta, I am a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario, and I am grateful for the friendships and connections I have made through Toronto and York Métis Council during my time in the city. My partner and I have recently moved to the Ottawa area, where I hope to find continued connection. We are living in a notably more rural area now, so that does of course create some challenges.

Ongoing Themes of focus

The beautiful drawing that served as the foundation for this beadwork was shared with me by @madebykrisanne of Cree First Nation of Waswanipi – She is a talented beadwork artist, and this particular template design was recreated from her late grandmother’s floral beadwork 🤍 I think that this is such a beautiful way to honour her spirit and continue to share her creative gifts in living memory. Krisanne’s Grandmother (googoo) Gerti Murdoch was well known for her work within all 9 Cree communities

Rematriation

Lately when I catch my reflection in the mirror, I’m surprised to see glimpses of the two women I would most like to converse with these days looking back at me. It’s a strange feeling of pride in connection, weighed down by the loss of their light in my life. Slipped away to the next room. Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner. Or fireside but just out of sight.

What does Rematriation look like when you’ve lost a living connection to Matriarchs within your family or community, or when you are navigating the pathway on the way to healing from the effects of intergenerational trauma without a direct guide?

This is a process I am doing my best to navigate daily, and for me that looks like cultivating friendships with women that are intentional and supportive, seeking out inspiration from leaders with values rooted in kinship, seeking guidance through traditional ceremony and land-based learning, and leaning in to support other indigenous women to continue thriving, and living in a good way.

I highly recommend the

AMR podcast

Rematriate All My Relations Podcast

Reciprocity

Wahkohtowin, is a way I have been taught to describe “laws” that are seen in the natural world, which can help guide our human actions. This Cree concept speaks to the interconnectedness of all things, all our relations, and our responsibilities.

This concept is about living with each other “in a good way – ensuring we maintain balance – that we never take more than we need. It’s about considering how our actions today will impact the next seven generations. It’s about our shared role as stewards to the land and our responsibilities to human and non-human kin

For me beadwork as a practice is not something centered in gaining profit, rather it is a creative expression and a means of connection to my roots, spirit, and community. Primarily it is a designated time to hold space. for reflection, and more widely an opportunity to reach out and nurture deeper connections with those around me – from all walks of life, and especially other indigenous folks. Gifting beadwork to friends and family is one of my greatest joys. Beadwork has of course played a part in economic empowerment of native artists historically, through sale and trade, but primarily it is a practice in cultural continuity rooted in traditional pedagogy.

Like most beadwork artists, nothing I list will be mass-produced or created for the purpose of turning a profit. I aim to share my work I do charge for my listed beadwork to help compensate for my time and materials. I also try my best to always source ethically and support other indigenous small businesses when gathering materials for my artwork or beading. My goal is to hold space to continue my practice and lean into reflection and connection, including learning more of my ancestral languages – cree and michif.

KINSHIP

Watch for upcoming posts about my ongoing ecology series where I hope to focus on the beauty of natural systems in balance and amplify narratives of reciprocity.

A kind of exploration into the interconnected web of mutual benefit and the responsibility of community care. I am actively seeking to expand my understanding of local biodiversity and important keystone species. This includes exploring existing conservation efforts, especially those that center ecological restoration and regenerative practices.

I aim to engage with community throughout my artistic process to further encourage land-based learning and living in good relation with our human and non-human kin.

conservation

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PEACE RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS

Originating from British Columbia’s Finlay River in Rockies, the Peace River stretches across the provincial border into Alberta, meandering northeast until confluence with the Athabasca River in the Peace-Athabasca Delta which ultimately forms the Slave River.

The Peace River is the largest watershed within Alberta, and accounts for approximately 28% of the provincial landmass. As of 2011, the Peace River watershed supported a population of approximately 165,000 people within Alberta.

In addition to providing key year-round riparian habitat and migration corridors for moose, elk and deer, the Peace River and its surrounding landscape also provide habitat for raptors such as golden eagles, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and osprey.

As it extends across northern Alberta, the Peace River traverses the Boreal Forest Natural Region, and portions of the Parkland Natural Region.

The ‘Prairie Moon’ mini fringe is part of my extended Lunar collection and is reflective of the ecologically important grasslands of Alberta and the Peace River Region.

Available in: Wild Berry Blue, Paper Birch Grey, Cedar Bough Green, Stardust Silver, Smokey Amethyst, Plains Bison Brown, Rose Hip Pink, Algonquin Fawn, Basket Willow Brown, Poplar Sapwood Gold, Prairie Grassland Gold, and Sugar Maple Orange.

OAK WILT PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

ᐋᐧᐦᑰᐦᑐᐃᐧᐣ

Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.

– Chief Seattle

Indigenous

Support // Allyship

Resources

ᑭᓇᓈᐢᑯᒥᑎᐣ

As an artist and small business owner I am always grateful to receive new orders and thrilled to share my work – Kinanâskomitin

// Thank you so much for your support!