Yvonne Walker Keshick

Yvonne Walker Keshick is an Odawa/Ojibwa quillworker. Though she comes form a long line of artisans, she did not start practicing the art until her 20s. She learned quillwork the traditional way and quickly mastered traditional patterns and wildlife designs that her family is well known for. Keshick has also been very active in her community. She fought for her tribe's federal recognition in the 1980s and also teaches others the art of quillwork. Her devotion to her art and community shows how she prioritizes decolonization and Indigenous sovereignty.

Birchbark and Sweetgrass Quill Box, 1994

These images show different angles of a quill box that Keshick made. This particular piece depicts the journey of Indigenous women through life and shows a connection with nature. Keshick also displays the medicine wheel in several places in this piece showing how she prioritizes her culture in her work.