Judy has been involved in the local Victoria Native Friendship Centre since her first Granddaughter was a toddler. She enjoys attending the Early Childhood programs and participating in craft circles.

Judy helped launch VNFC’s Indigenous Language Hub. As a fluent Dakota Speaker, she handwrites her translations, and works with our team in translating children’s books, embedding language during cultural workshops and special projects.

As a teen, Judy’s Mother brought her to cultural workshops where she learned to create baby moccasins, beaded purses, gauntlets, and other Traditional items.  Judy’s Mother was a revered Cultural Practitioner and Elder, well known for her expertise in beading and cultural works of art.

Judy beaded alongside her Mother and worked at a Cultural Craft store 30 years ago before relocating to Winnipeg to train at the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. She studied to become a homecare worker to care for her Mother.  After experiencing loss, beading brought healing to Judy, and reminds her very much of her late Mother. She still enjoys beading.

Judy loves working with hide, beading and cohosts the biweekly Bead Circle at the Friendship Centre.