Aug 18, 2008

An outlet for Dene artBy Paul BickfordNNSL.com

Enterprise – For 24 years, Winnie Cadieux has been selling Dene arts and crafts in Enterprise.

Today, she owns and operates Winnie’s Dene Art Gallery and Gift Shop.

All of the pieces of aboriginal art and fine crafts in the store are bought directly from the creators.

“Everything from beaded necklaces and earrings to moosehide vests and gloves,” Cadieux said.

She began selling Dene crafts when she was co-owner of what was then known as Enterprise Esso.

Back then, several ladies came into the service station and asked if they could sell their crafts, so Cadieux set up a small display case.

“Then some of the truckers started to ask if we could get moccasins and mukluks made,” she said.

The display was expanded and eventually a tire shop was converted into the gift store.

Cadieux said she buys product from all over the NWT and even from the Dene Tha’ in High Level and Assumption, Alta.

“I’d say I’ve got something in there from every region of the North,” she said.

Read complete article.