Wildfires are often seen as a destructive force. It's something the N.W.
T knows all too well. Fires have the capacity to burn forests, destroy homes and decimate entire communities. But – just as they breathe new life into the ecological landscape – wildfire has also been a force for creativity in the territory.
Friday marks one year since the evacuation of Yellowknife, Ndilǫ and Dettah was declared. Beadwork, paintings, magazines and music have all been shaped by the collective experience of fleeing from wildfire. To mark the anniversary, we're looking at how that experience has shaped art in the N.
W.T. over the past year.
Beaded and tufted earrings by Natasha Cleary Sitting on top of the cash register at the Mackenzie Cabins in Fort Providence, N.W.T.
are a pair of vibrant earrings that, unlike most other jewelry in the shop, aren't for sale. At first glance, the design appears to be that of a flower. But upon closer inspection, you'll notice the petals are actually flames.
The middle petal is made of tufted caribou hair dyed red, orange and yellow, and the outer petals are made of beads. The flaming flower is nestled in green leaves, and dangling from the bottom of it are warm-coloured tassels. Natasha Cleary made these earrings while living out of the Castaway Cottages in Hay River, N.
W.T. The home she shared with her children and husband in Enterprise had recently been destroyed by wildfire.
Cleary has been beading since she was a child, and taught herself how to t.