Hand Puppet, Big Foot the Sasquatch

Justien is a multi talented Northern Tuchone / Dene Artist. She is a member of the Nacho Nyak Dun FIrst Nations and belongs to the Wolf Clan.. Justien’s creativity was obvious from a young age. Ever since she can remember she has enjoyed drawing and painting.

In 2007 Justien started carving. She spent two years as a student In the Sundog Carving Program. She has learned from teachers such as Calvin Morberg, Vernon Asp, Victor Reece, Lee-Ann Doral, Wayne Price and fellow students.

In summer of 2009 Justien returned home to the Yukon to join the Sundog Carving and Tlingit Carver Wayne Price in building a 30ft red cedar dugout canoe. Justien became a mother to a beautiful boy named Eli in 2011.

In 2012 Justien had her first solo art show at Northern Cultural Expressions Society. Justien Stays home with her son and works at building her artistic career by continuing to create new works, teaching workshops in school and communities, artist markets, festivals, and learning new medium.

Many different artist, family members, teachers, students, and her friends in the Sundog Carving Program have inspired Justien. One of her biggest inspirations was her teacher, mentor and friend the late Victor Reece.

“Victor believed in me and helped me gain confidence in my artwork. Victor played a big role in my artistic life and I’m very blessed to have known him”

"Art expresses our traditions and our deep connection to the land, sky and water."