Celebrating Culture with Indigenous Market Artist Jennifer Bell
At Manitobah, every stitch, bead, and handmade piece carries a story. Through the Indigenous Market, artists from across Turtle Island are able to share their work directly with customers while keeping culture, craftsmanship, and traditional knowledge alive for future generations.
The Indigenous Market was created to support Indigenous makers and provide a platform where artists can sell their creations while sharing the stories behind them, and receiving 100% of profits from each sale. From beadwork and moccasins to jewelry and home goods, each piece reflects generations of knowledge, creativity, and connection to community.
One of those artists is Jennifer Bell, who is of South Slavey ancestry and a member of Fort Nelson First Nation. Born in Fort St. John, British Columbia, and raised in Charlie Lake, Jennifer learned traditional arts from the women in her family at a young age.
Today, her work blends both contemporary and traditional styles, including handmade moccasins, jewelry, card cases, dream catchers, and feather wraps. Her artistry has been featured at Indigenous markets throughout northern British Columbia, and she was awarded second prize in the Fort Nelson First Nations Annual Celebration dream catcher competition.
A Conversation with Jennifer
How did you get started with the Indigenous Market?
"My mom, Anne Bell, encouraged me to join the Indigenous Market when I was around 12 years old. At the time, I primarily sold card cases and feather wraps. It was a great way to share my work, connect with the community, and begin my journey as an artist."
Who taught you what you know about moccasin making, hide tanning, and beadwork?
"From a young age, I watched my mom and grandmother sew, and I believe I attempted to make my first pair of moccasins when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I later took up moccasin making full-time as a way to support myself while I was in college. Fast forward to today, and artistry has become my full-time career.
Hide tanning has been a relatively new endeavor that my mom and I have taken on together. We're still learning, growing, and enjoying the process side by side."
Jennifer's story is a beautiful example of how traditional knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. What began with watching her mother and grandmother sew has grown into a lifelong passion and career, while new skills like hide tanning continue to strengthen those family connections.
By supporting artists like Jennifer through the Indigenous Market, customers are helping sustain Indigenous artistry, celebrate cultural traditions, and ensure these stories continue to be shared for generations to come.
Explore Jennifer Bell's work and discover more handmade creations from Indigenous artists across Turtle Island in the Indigenous Market.
