Negemow Roots

Hi everyone! It’s been a little while since I’ve posted, and I wanted to catch you all up :)

Since late last year, I’ve been going through a big transition, leaving my job to step fully into running Negemow Roots full-time. It’s been exciting and a little overwhelming at times, but I’m really grateful I took this leap.

During this time, I’ve been prioritizing my mental and physical health and figuring out a balance that works for me. I’ve been building up my inventory and online shop, working on commission pieces, and occasionally hosting basket weaving workshops with Indigenous seniors and youth.

Becoming a small business owner comes with its challenges, especially working from home. Finding a rhythm and staying creatively motivated hasn’t always been easy, but I’m learning as I go.

One thing I’ve really been reminded of is how important community is. Connecting with others, especially fellow artists, continues to inspire and ground me. I’m so grateful for my previous job at the Truckhouse and the relationships and opportunities it has given me. The support and encouragement I received truly helped give me the confidence to take this step.

Also… my website is officially live! 🎉✨
The link is in my bio if you’d like to take a look

I’m really excited to keep sharing more of my journey, along with new work and upcoming projects. Thank you so much for being here and supporting me 🤍

If you’d like to support my work, please go like and follow Negemow Roots on Facebook and Instagram 🫶🏼

Wela’lioq/Thank you - Jade Sark

Jade Sark is a fourth-generation basket weaver, continuing a lineage of artistry passed down through both sides of her family. Her baskets are meticulously woven from black ash wood and often adorned with sweetgrass, birchbark, and intricate wood-burned designs, blending traditional Mi’kmaw techniques with her own artistic vision. We are delighted to see Jade’s work in the upcoming Mi’kmaw Art Exhibition at the Municipal Complex throughout October at 181 Coldbrook Village Park Drive. The Opening Reception (Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.) is going to be an exciting event where you can purchase art and learn artist stories. You can also follow and support Jade’s business Negemow Roots on Instagram (instagram.com/negemowroots) or Negemow Roots on Facebook.

We are thrilled to host a Mi'kmaw Art Exhibition featuring eight incredible artists during the full month of October. Join us Oct. 2 for the opening reception, vendor market, and a screening of the documentary Basket Maker. This Mi'kmaw History month, be sure to stop by the Municipal building at 181 Coldbrook Village Park Drive in Coldbrook to learn more about traditional and contemporary Mi'kmaw art.

This weekend I received the Emerging Artist Award from Amkwesowa’q Kisitu’titl during their grand opening. It was such an honour to be acknowledged alongside other incredible basket weavers from my community. Seeing my mom's picture displayed on the building made it even more special.

Basket weaving has been in my family for four generations, but there was a time when we stopped practicing. Picking it back up has been deeply healing for me and for my family. I never imagined I’d be weaving full-time, but this path has become my passion. Being recognized by my community means everything and motivates me to keep going, keep creating, and keep teaching.

On my way back to Halifax, I had the privilege of learning a new basket design by Malglit Peltier ❤️

Feeling so grateful, inspired, and excited for what’s next :)

Wela’lioq We'koqma'q ❤️

***ignore my misspelled name lol***

Black ash hot air balloon basket. One of my favorite creations 🩶 This basket is not for sale but open to take orders, dm if interested!
Made by Jade Sark

My first pair of baskets earrings 🧡 They're on hold for a friend, but I'm already in the process of making more if anyone is interested 😊

Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to lead my very first basket weaving workshop at NSCAD's Treaty Space Gallery.

I’m beyond grateful and proud to be continuing my family’s teachings and sharing them with Mi'kmaw and other urban Indigenous people. It was an absolute pleasure guiding this group, hearing their stories, and witnessing their excitement as they created their first baskets. Not only did I get to teach them, but they also taught me—showing patience, encouragement, and reminding me how rewarding this work truly is. Transitioning from teaching one person at a time to a full group of ten was definitely a learning curve, but it was a challenge I embraced, and I’m excited to keep growing as a teacher.

Wela’lioq to everyone who participated and to the Treaty Space Gallery, Natalie and Buffy 🧡

Ketu' pɨte'man? Do you want tea?

🐞 Po’ks Pop-Up 🐞 MEET THE MAKERS! Jade from Seatherny Arts 🗓️ Saturday, November 16th 🕚 11:00 AM — 4:00 PM 📍 Treaty Space Gallery Artist Statement: “My name is Jade Sark, I’m a Mi’kmaw artist from We’koqma’q First Nation, currently living in Kjipuktuk. I am the owner of Seatherny Arts, a small business where I sell my artwork that consists of my baskets, paintings, and other crafts that I create. I’m a fourth generation basket weaver, carrying on a strong tradition from boths sides of my family. I weave my baskets out of black ash wood, and embellish them with sweetgrass, birchbark, and wood burned engravings. As a young indigenous artist living in the city, I hope to make a living off of my art, just as my family did, and carry the family tradition down to the next generation.” 🔗 @seathernyarts Stop in at the Po’ks Pop-Up market to say Kwe’ (Hello) to Jade on November 16, 2024 and check out her creations! 👋🏻 @nscaduniversity @nscadstudentexperience @nscadaa @studentunionofnscad @indigenousfuturescanada @mnfc.hfx #nscad #nscaduniversity #TSGHFX #TSG #treatyspacegallery #treatyspace #halifax #halifaxevents #indigenousartist #unamaki 🐞 “Po’ks” is the Mi’kmaq word for ladybug! (Pronounced like PO-KES)

Wuklatmu'j basket made out of black ash & sweetgrass 🤍 Just sharing

Happy Monday everyone🍂 Just sharing my most recent basket jij, hope you all like it! 😊