Indigenous Artisans

PDAC is proud to offer the Indigenous Artisans initiative at our annual convention, showcasing the diverse work of incredible artisans from around the country.

Check out the profiles of Indigenous Artisans below to see who will be at PDAC 2026!

Artisan Name: Carrie Onraet

Company Name: Ultra Riche Products

Business Description: Candles, Soap & Beadwork 

Biography: Ultra Riche Products is founded by Carrie Onraet, a skilled Artisan and Master Candle Chandler, who infuses her passion and expertise into every creation. The collection features handcrafted wax candles, skincare products, soap, and indigenous beaded jewelry. As a dedicated small business owner, Carrie is committed to delivering exceptional quality items and unforgettable experiences for her customers. By choosing Ultra a Riche Products, you not only receive a premium product but also support a small Indigenous business.

Artisan Name: Wesley Havill

Company Name: Wesley Havill Indigenous Art

Business Description: Carved Moose Antler (shields & pendants), copper works (wall art & mandalas), wood art pieces, one of a kind art 

Biography: Born in Wawa Ontario, Wesley is Ojibway, Eagle Clan and proud member of Batchewana First Nation, Sault Ste Marie. Wesley's art showcases his pride and passion for his Indigenous culture. Originally, he did woodworking/carving but graduated to moose antler carving over the years. Copper is Wesley's most recent medium.  He loves working and learning with copper for its beauty, protection and healing properties. Wesley is also an artist blacksmith. His grandfather was a blacksmith in the Wawa mine, so it is in his blood.  Each piece tells a unique story and is one of a kind. Wesley's art is thoughtfully made and traditionally sourced. Customers are looking for his unique, handcrafted art, but they are also wanting the story and the meaning of each piece and to learn about Indigenous culture. He has followed the Pow Wow trail across Canada for many years, enjoying the Native celebrations and culture and selling his art. It is his passion to create and to share his culture and knowledge through his art.  

Artisan Name: Marleen Murphy

Company Name: Millside Ceramics

Business Description: Millside Ceramics is a home based business selling native ceramic giftware. It is proudly located on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and was established by Marleen Murphy in 1998. At Millside Ceramics, each and every ceramic piece is hand crafted from earthenware clay and molds. Each is kiln fired and hand painted by Marleen in her home studio. Millside Ceramics offers clients a very large selection of candles, incense holder, night lights, smudge bowls, simmer pots, clocks, ornaments, decor and much more!

Biography: Marleen is a well respected Mohawk woman, a friend to her community and a master ceramist across the province. Marleen is very knowledgeable about First Nations family and community traditions and strives to include that knowledge within each and every piece that she makes. Marleen can create custom painted pieces on special orders and always has a very large selection of ceramics at events across Canada and has sent products around the world. Over the years of Marleen being a ceramist, she has participated in large events including the 2010 Olympics as well as taking part in a one of a kind project creating unique items to be displayed in the Toronto Google Headquarters. Marleen also actively donates portions of her proceeds from specific creations to the Breast Cancer Society, Truth and Reconciliation Initiative and the Murdered and Missing Women Initiative. 

Artisan Name: Norma Kagesheongai

Company Name: Kagesheongai Crafts

Business Description: Handcrafted ribbon skirts, stained glass art, dreamcatchers, medicine wheels, and beaded and leather jewellery.

Biography: Norma, a multi-disciplinary artist, is an 83-year old Anishinaabe great grandmother of Ojibwe descent and residential school survivor from Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. 

Artisan Name: Aileen Malcolm

Company Name: Miigwetch By Aileen

Business Description: Handcrafted semi precious stone jewelry and beadwork. One of a kind designs using quills, caribou tufting, beads, shells and stones.

Biography: Aileen is a recognized elder for the first nation ANIMBIIGOO ZAAGIGAGUN ANISHAABEK. Born in Geraldton and raised in Thunder Bay, she spent her career in indigenous health, focusing on prevention.  She is a proud grandmother of three beautiful children. They are Ojibway from Ombabika, a small settlement on the northern shores of Lake Nipigon. Aileen learned to bead at a young age, taught by her aunt, at a time when families helped raising siblings and other relatives. She grew up with four brothers and two sisters, aunts and uncles were always a shout away. Teachings were abundantly inspiring and shared by elders and aunties, now shared by Aileen through her artwork. 

Artisan Name: Brittany Whalley

Company Name: Inner Raven Beadwork

Business Description: Inner Raven is a small, single artist, beadwork business that celebrates tradition, identity, and artistry through hand-crafted beadwork for everyday and special occasion wear. Each item — from simple everyday favorites and statement earrings to full regalia sets and beaded hats — is created with intention, honoring Indigenous roots while fashioning them into contemporary, wearable art. Inner Raven blends culture and creativity to tell stories through beads, connecting the past to the present in every design — it's heritage you can wear with a little bit of shine.

Biography: Brittany Aletha Whalley is a skilled First Nations beadwork artist and a proud member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Residing in Mattawa, Ontario, Brittany first learned the traditional art of beadwork from her grandparents, who passed down the knowledge, patience, techniques and the cultural stories that are the foundation of her work today. As the sole artist behind Inner Raven, Brittany draws inspiration from traditional stories of the raven — a curious, intelligent being known for its attraction to things that shine. This symbolism is reflected in her work: a fusion of tradition and sparkle, simplicity and boldness. She specializes in wearable art that range from timeless, understated elegance to bold, extravagant statement pieces and thrives in the moments where her beaded art comes alive to tell the story of the ones who will wear it. Brittany’s beadwork has been worn by brides, runway models, pow wow dancers, government officials, and many others who value the power and beauty of handcrafted Indigenous art. Every piece she creates is a continuation of legacy, a celebration of culture, and a shimmering expression of personal style.