A new art exhibit in Whitehorse is showcasing the beauty of Yukon’s unique beaded earrings.
The exhibition, titled My Big Bougie Beaded Earrings, is currently on display at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. It features 21 pairs of earrings created by First Nations artists from Yukon.
Teagyn Vallevand, a citizen of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, curated the exhibit. As a beader herself, Vallevand wanted to highlight the talent of Indigenous artists in the region, particularly women, who are known for crafting detailed and beautiful earrings.
“These jewelry pieces are an important part of Northern culture,” Vallevand said. “This exhibit celebrates storytelling, entrepreneurship, and the artistry of our people.”
Although not all the earrings are beaded, Vallevand emphasized that all of them are “bougie” – a term that reflects the high level of craftsmanship and style. The exhibit attracted significant attention, with over 50 artists submitting their work. After a careful selection process, 21 pairs were chosen for the main exhibit, while other earrings were displayed in a retail case. Many of these pieces sold quickly, and the case had to be restocked after the opening night.
“The response from local artists was incredible, and it was amazing to see how much interest the exhibit generated,” Vallevand said.
The exhibit includes a wide range of designs, from traditional to contemporary. Some notable pieces include strawberry earrings by Florence Moses, a citizen of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation, and owl earrings by Cohen Quash, a Kaska and Tahltan teen artist.
Vallevand also highlighted a pair of clip-on fur earrings made by Kwanlin Dün Elder Shirley Smith, noting that they are perfect for cultural events like potlatches or even casual gatherings like Friday night bingo.
Each pair of earrings in the exhibit tells a story. One of the pieces Vallevand submitted features just one earring, as the other was lost on a nightclub dance floor. She said it was a relatable and lighthearted addition to the show.
Vallevand hopes the exhibit will also educate visitors about cultural appropriation. She pointed out that there are many products marketed as “Indigenous-inspired” that are not made by Indigenous people. She wants to encourage people to ask themselves, “Who am I buying these earrings from, and what is their story?”
The exhibit will be open until May 20.
Vallevand is pleased with how the exhibit is being received, both by artists and visitors. “I’ve put a lot of effort into this, and it’s rewarding to see that it’s being appreciated by the community,” she said.
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