Sharon Maureen Vittrekwa

A descendant of the Tetlit Gwich’in First Nation

Borned in Aklavik, Northwest Territories, and raised in Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories by my Grandparents George and Sarah Vittrekwa.  As a young child I grew up watching and learning from my grandparents and elders we had to look after.  Through that care giving, we learned traditional and survival skills, in which, I survive by today.  I also spent 12 years in residential school and spent summers with grandparents living a traditional lifestyle and watching and learning to tan skins, sew and help in making snowshoes, etc.  I had attended Yukon College and received Diploma in First Nations Management Program (a two year program).  From this I realized the fast rate of losing our traditional way of life, and began to learn and teach, sewing, medicine, food preparation, care giving, and counseling. I now teach in schools and support centres and also tour groups in the Yukon.  I am presently living and teaching traditional sewing in Dawson City, Yukon. I decided to spend some time here in Dawson to follow my grandfathers footsteps throughout this country.  He used to tell me stories how he would come from the Delta with friends with dog teams, to trade and get supplies that needed two or three times in the winter.

Sharon Maureen Vittrekwa's Work in the Gallery

Some of the work Sharon Maureen Vittrekwa has in the Gallery is featured below. Please contact us if you have questions about any of the pieces or other works we may have.