👑 Elder Diane Smith: Seamstress, Leader, and Culture Keeper
Born in 1949, Diane Thompson is a respected Elder and cornerstone of her community, residing in the Carry the Kettle First Nation.
A lifelong hard worker, Diane raised four children and has dedicated her life to her family and her people. Today, she serves as a cherished community elder, sharing her wisdom and guidance with the next generations.
🌎 Keeping the Culture Alive
Diane is committed to the survival of her heritage. She is actively working to maintain and speak her Nakoda language, recognizing it as a vital link to her past. Her dedication to cultural knowledge extends beyond her home; she frequently travels across North America to attend important Indigenous ceremonies, retreats, and band council meetings, ensuring her voice and the needs of her Nation are heard.
🧵 Craftsmanship and Creativity
Diane's lifetime of hard work and innate craftiness have channeled into beautiful textile artistry. She is a master seamstress, meticulously sewing and creating beautiful designs for:
Through her hands, she preserves traditional dress, offering items of profound cultural significance that are worn with pride across the continent. Her artistry is a tangible expression of her enduring spirit and commitment to the Nakoda way of life.
🧶 Roxann Thompson: Artisan, Chef, and Creator
Born in 1969, Roxann Thompson grew up near her ancestral home, the Carry the Kettle First Nation. She is the second-born of Diane's four children, carrying forward the family's legacy of hard work and artistic skill.
💖 The Art of Crochet
In her adult life, Roxann began to master the art of crocheting, transforming it from a hobby into a passion. She is continually inspired by the vast and evolving world of textile arts, finding unique designs and modern techniques online. Her creations reflect a blend of this contemporary inspiration with her Nakoda heritage, resulting in beautiful and unique crochet art pieces.
🍳 Culinary Creations: The Bannock Specialist
Roxann has a lifelong love for cooking, a skill she has turned into a popular local service. She specializes in traditional Indigenous bread, offering a variety of comforting and delicious bannock orders, including:
- Oven Baked Bannock (soft and tender)
- Fried Bannock (crispy golden perfection)
- Fried Bannock Dogs (a fun twist on a classic)
Her latest, highly requested creation is the innovative Fried Bannock-Style Pizza Pop, which perfectly marries traditional texture with modern convenience food.
Through her hands, whether crafting a stitch or preparing a meal, Roxann shares comfort, creativity, and a modern expression of her rich cultural background.
🌟 Bria Thompson: The Modern Artisan and Beauty Specialist
Born in 1992, Bria Thompson is the granddaughter of Diane and the eldest daughter of Roxann. From a young age, Bria has always possessed a naturally artistic, crafty, and creative nature. This passion for creation has driven her to become a highly skilled professional in both the beauty and culinary worlds.
💅 A Master of Modern Beauty
Driven by her creative spirit, Bria pursued formal training in her adult life, establishing herself as a versatile and meticulous beauty specialist. She first attended school to become a certified Nail Technician and then expanded her expertise through various courses to master a wide range of services:
- Tattoo Artist
- Lash Technician
- Tooth Gem Technician
- Make-up Artist
Always seeking to grow, Bria is currently advancing her education to become a professional Hair Stylist, ensuring she can offer her clients a complete and polished look from head to toe.
🍰 Culinary Creativity
Complementing her work in beauty, Bria also has a strong culinary background. She channels her creative energy into the kitchen, specializing in baking delicious treats that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Her offerings include:
- Cakes
- Pies
- Cupcakes
- Loaves
Whether she is applying a perfect set of lashes or baking a custom cake, Bria's work is defined by her dedication to artistry, precision, and making others feel their absolute best.