Sandra A. Mangelana

Alianaigusuktuq Miqurnikun Finding Inspiration Through Embroidery

Hello, my name is Sandra A Mangelana. My hometown is Tuktuuyaqtuuq. I have been living in Alberta for 26 years now (wow!). For the most part, it has been great. Te amenities are so accessible. My favorite thing to do is road trips to the many diferent parks and to other towns and cities; travelling the countryside is the highlight, though. It is not the same as boat rides for berry picking and picnics with family, nor the camping trips during the spring, but it makes up for missing "home". Tuktuuyaqtuuq is always referred to as "home".

My year during the pandemic has been somewhat trying. Not being able to freely go about the city had me missing my freedom. Because I spent most of my time at home, I kind of felt trapped. But, in time, I accepted that not going anywhere was best for my health. Once that set in, I had time to finish my sewing projects that I had started for myself, which are still in progress. My sewing projects were mainly for personal use: parkas, jackets, mukluks, and moccasins. I have also made a few tops for myself, a dress or two, a handbag, and dresses for a bridal party. I thought that orders for kaukkak would stop, but they trickle in and keep me busy.

I started making kaukkak and a few moccasins for sale in 2015. I just love how a drawing comes together with the colours of embroidery floss. I first learned to sew at home. My mom Sarah taught me how to make mukluks with fur. She showed me how scrape the skins to make them soft enough to cut out patterns and how to stitch the fur pieces together. She also taught me how to make parkas. Today I ask my younger sister for advice in sewing if I have questions.

I started making kaukkak and a few moccasins for sale in 2015. I just love how a drawing comes together with the colours of embroidery floss.

—Sandra A. Mangelana

I then started making myself jackets that I would see in catalogues. Instead of buying an expensive jacket, I decided it would not cost me too much to buy material and make my own.

I enjoy creating using embroidery floss. I was always intrigued by the embroidery work that the majority of women created and that of Amaamak's (mother's) embroidery work. My first attempt at embroidery was when I was 11 or 12 years old. My aappak (father) asked me one day if I could make him a travel bag for his sewing kit and other small items he needed while out hunting. He said he would guide me, so I readily said okay. Although my stitches were big and not straight, he accepted the completed bag and told me it was a treasure to use.

With time, I got comfortable with sewing. Although I can sew with diferent mediums, I am most drawn to creating with embroidery floss!

My embroidery creations are inspired from being intrigued by the beautiful creations of the many women from Tuktuuyaqtuuq and surrounding areas who wore their creations on special occasions, such as Easter and Christmas at drum dances.

I would advise Inuvialuit and others to go day by day and follow guidelines of the health care systems. Find things you can do at home if you are not allowed to be in groups. Tere is always something you can do! Quyanainni, thank you!