You might not think of Inuvik as a fashion mecca, but desginer, Berna Beaulieu, of the Treaty 11 Dogrib people of the Northwest Territories, has found a compelling force behind her designs there: her mission is to preserve a dying culture.

Berna began her company in 1997, when she realized that the unique traditional designs of her people were gradually dying off with the older generation. Determined to preserve them, and inspired and encouraged by the aboriginal elders, she began reviving the traditional designs of her people and modernizing them into one-of-a-kind works of art.

Among her many projects, she was recently under contract with the Legislative Assembly to design a coat and vest for the Speaker of the House, as well as jackets for the Clerks, all of which were seen on TV across the Northwest Territories in October, 2000.

About the Innovator

Bernadette Beaulieu is a shining example of the old adage, "Where there is a will, there is a way." A survivor of the notorious residential schools for native children, and a former victim of spousal abuse, Berna spent years locked in shyness and shame, hiding behind her hair to cover the evidence of abuse on her face. But she has emerged many years later as a vibrant, 50-year old entrepreneur whose designs are sought after throughout North America.

She began to take in sewing (small alterations at first) and found she had a creative gift. She perfected her sewing skills and as news of her skills spread, her business grew and so did her confidence. For the next twenty years, while she raised a family, she continued to branch out, eventually designing clothes on request from her many customers. In 1994, a white deerskin wedding dress she designed for a friend brought her recognition and fame, and Creations by Berna was launched. She says, "Life can be hard but, in the end, it is what you make of it that counts." Her website is www.creationsbyberna.com.