About Us: Dave and Vicky Behind Artisanat Autochtone

One workshop, two people and a story to share

Our project began in Mashteuiatsh, on the shores of Piekuagami, Lake Saint-Jean. It is rooted in Dave’s personal journey, his connection to the land and his desire to keep the knowledge passed down by Elders alive through his creations.

Behind our store are the two of us, Dave and Vicky. We share the daily work, each contributing our strengths: Dave focuses on making the pieces and participating in cultural projects, while Vicky handles communications and keeps our community connected.

Our wish is simple: to help you discover the people, the craftsmanship and the materials behind the creations, and to choose a piece whose meaning resonates with you.

Dave: the hands behind the creations

Dave Verreault-Thisselmagan makes each piece by hand. His work requires time, care and an understanding of the materials. From selecting those materials to adding the finishing touches, he pays close attention to every stage.

Depending on the piece, he works with materials such as:

• Genuine moose hide;
• Natural feathers, including rooster feathers;
• Genuine fur carefully selected for each piece;
• Wood respectfully gathered from Nitassinan, the ancestral territory;
• Stones and other elements chosen for their character or symbolism.

Variations in texture, shape and colour are part of the beauty of these materials. They give each piece its own character, even when several creations follow a similar design.

Dave works with intention and spiritually cleanses his creations as part of his practice. Protection, calm or guidance may be part of the meaning associated with a piece: a symbolic and spiritual dimension that each person can connect with in their own way.

Vicky: the connection with our community

Vicky Villeneuve brings another essential part of the workshop to life: showcasing the creations, managing the website, preparing social media posts and blog articles, and responding to messages and questions.

Her work gives you a glimpse behind the store, helps explain the meaning of the pieces and maintains our connection with the people who follow and support us.

Sharing these responsibilities allows Dave to focus his energy on making the creations, while giving our craftsmanship a thoughtful and personal presence online. Every order, every post and every conversation is part of the project we are building together.

From the workshop to the online store

Our project has grown through the pieces we have created, the people we have met and our collaborations with organizations and educational settings. Today, our online store allows us to share this work with people who cannot meet us at the workshop or at an event.

We take particular care with descriptions and images to help you understand what you are choosing: the materials used, the craftsmanship and, where relevant, the symbolism associated with the creation.

Our blog extends this approach. We explore nature, craftsmanship, Indigenous cultures and traditions, with the hope of encouraging curiosity and respectful learning.

What guides our work

• Handmade craftsmanship: creations made by Dave in Québec;
• Cultural roots: work connected to his Ilnu identity and Mashteuiatsh;
• Carefully chosen materials: thoughtful material selection for every piece;
• Respect: care for cultural symbols and knowledge;
• Authenticity: a certificate of authenticity accompanies each piece;
• Passing on knowledge: conversations and projects that introduce people to craftsmanship and Ilnu culture.

We speak from Dave’s personal journey and our own experience. Indigenous peoples have distinct cultures, histories and practices: our workshop is part of that diversity, with its own roots.

Connections that extend beyond the workshop

Beyond making his creations, Dave takes part in workshops, educational projects and initiatives that bring Indigenous perspectives into organizations and learning environments. His activities with schools, Elders and organizations create opportunities to discover Ilnu culture and learn about traditional skills.

These encounters put a face to the craftsmanship and open up conversations. They are an important part of our approach, as are the exchanges at our booth during powwows and cultural festivals.

To discover this aspect of our work, visit our page about workshops and cultural partnerships.