Ehts'o nàtsʼeelıı (We Sew Beads) by Tłı̨chǫ Dene Matthew Vukson is a new exhibit opening at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC). The opening reception will be on June 5, 2025, from 7:00-8:30pm.

Matthew Vukson is a bead artist based in Brantford, Ontario. He has maternal ties to Behchokǫ̀ and has been surrounded by the traditional Dene beadwork of his family from an early age. His personal artistic journey began in 2016 when he attended a beading workshop for residential school survivors. It was there that Matthew witnessed the power of beadwork for storytelling and healing.

Blending Dene artistry with his own imaginative powers, Matthew’s pieces are unique. Through his artwork, he likes to share stories that are told by ever changing patterns and colours. The artistry, spirituality and empowerment of beading are his lifelong personal and research interests.  He uses the healing power of art as a form of reclamation and reconciliation. His work involves beading subject matter regarding traditional and contemporary practices through the lens of past, present and future.

Ehts'o nàtsʼeelıı is the second exhibit selected through the Art Selection Committee, which evaluates applications for the Mezzanine Gallery. Art Selection Committee Member Nancy Mullik will be the Master of Ceremonies for the opening reception.  Matthew Vukson will be conducting guided tours of the exhibit at the opening.

The exhibit can be viewed starting June 5, 2025, from 10am to 5pm between Tuesdays to Sundays until December 2025.

For media requests, please contact:
Christina Carrigan
Public Affairs and Communications
Education, Culture and Employment
Government of the Northwest Territories 
christina_carrigan@gov.nt.ca