Mara Kersey
Mara Kersey - Michif Artist
marakersey.michifartist@gmail.com

In around 2020 I began to teach myself to bead, I purchased Gregory Scofield's "Wâpikwaniy: A Beginner’s Guide to Métis Floral Beadwork" and started practicing.  From there I was able to participate in a number of classes, both online and in person, to start expanding my Métis cultural knowledge and learn more Métis specific artforms.  


Teachings received by:

(apologies if I have missed anyone, there have been so many amazing humans on my journey of learning)

Lynette La Fontaine - Tufting, Mixed Media, Color Theory, Tuppies

Koohkum Marie Bercier - Fish Scale Art

Kakisimo Iskwew - Fish Scale Art, Quill Plating, Capote Making, Embroidery, Moccasin Making, Mitasses, Moss Bags, Cradle Boards, Horse Hair Piping, Beaded Yokes, Smoking Caps

Jo-Ina Young - Embroidery

Linda Van Wierigen - Beading

Jakob Knudsen - Beading

Teagan Whitesel - Beading

Madelaine McCallum - Jigging

Heather Souter, Elder Bruce Dumont, Koohkum Stella Erasmus-Johnson, Rocky Mountain Métis (Kohkum Marie, Kohkum Harriot, Amy Cross) - Michif Language Lessons

Mara Curr - Hide Tanning

Janey Chang - Fish Leather Tanning and Natural Dyeing

Kaylin Kodiak - Sash Weaving

Emily Amon - Rabbit Hide Tanning

Adele Arseneau - Hide Tanning

Kaija Heitland - Quill Plating, Poppy Pin Workshop, Gauntlet Mitten Mentorship (Funded by MNBC), Cuff Bracelets, Knife Sheath (fall 2026)

Gregory Scofield – Wall Pocket and Point-Toe Moccasin Mentorships (Funded by MNBC)

Professional Experience:

January 2022-Present - Started online shop on Facebook and Instagram ~ Made by Mara - Métis Artist (with a focus more so now on custom orders and tufting supplies) - rebranded to Mara Kersey - Michif Artist in Spring 2025

August 2022 - Facilitated Tufting workshop for MNBC Health and Wellness Retreat at Strathcona Park Lodge

September 2022-August 2026 – Program Manager/Program Coordinator at North Island Métis Association. Facilitate art/culture classes for chartered community members, with other community organizations and our local school district. Classes have included the following (and more):

• Beadwork, Embroidery, Tufting, Fish Scale Art, Quill Plating

• Capotes

• Ribbon Skirts

• Point-Toe and Pucker-Toe Moccasins

• Mitasses

• Shawls

• Fire Bags

• Tobacco Bags

• Medicine Pouches

• Gauntlet Mittens

• Wall Pockets

November 2022 - Supplied MNBC with tufting material for upcoming workshop.

December 2022 - Facilitated a tufting workshop at a local elementary school.

December 2022 - Facilitated a jigging workshop at MIKI'SIW.

December 2022- Attended two markets, as a vendor.

February 2023 - Facilitated a tufting workshop at MIKI'SIW

March 2023 - Facilitated two workshops at MIKI'SIW - Traditional Tobacco Bag making and Fish Scale Art

June 2023 - Facilitated an Intro to Tufting workshop at Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous

November 2023 – Facilitated Tufting Workshop for Cowichan Valley Métis Association

December 2023 – Facilitated Quill Plating Brooch workshop for MNBC

February 2024 – Private 1-1 Tufting Workshop

May 2024 – Facilitated Tufting Workshop online with MNBC

August 2024 - Facilitated Tufting Workshop at Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous

September/October 2024 - 1-1 Moccasin Mentorship

October 2025 - Facilitated Tufting Workshop online with Timmins Métis Nation Ontario

November 2024 - Facilitated Horse Hair Piping and Bandolier Bag workshop for Cowichan Valley Métis Association

January 2025 - Online Quill Plating Workshop with Erin Stagg’s Art Students

February 2025 - Facilitated Fish Scale workshop online with Timmins Métis Nation Ontario

March 2025-Present - Facilitating Introduction to Southern Michif Lessons with MIKI’SIU

June 2025 - Tufting Demo and Jigging performance for National Indigenous Peoples Day

July 2025 - Assisted Carly Nabes with a Beading Workshop at Campbell River Art Gallery

August 2025 - Facilitated Tufting Workshop at Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous

November 2025 - Jigging Workshop for ISPARC

Fall 2025 - Published Artwork in Thriving Spirits Magazine

June 2026 - Jigging performance for National Indigenous Peoples Day

August 2026 - Facilitated Two-Needle Beading Workshop at Vancouver Island Métis Rendezvous

September 2026 - Attended Willow Point Arts Fest and Haig Brown Festival as a Vendor