Moccasins

Esther Mueller was born in Bella Coola on the coast of British Columbia and grew up both there and in the interior of the province. She is Tsilhqot'in (Chilcotin) and a proud member of the Tl'etinqox First Nation in Alexis Creek, BC. Esther began beading and making moccasins at the age of 10, taught by her late mother and grandmother, who instilled in her a love for sewing that she has carried throughout her life. Her passion for beading never waned; while others were off doing different activities, she often chose to stay behind, spending hours perfecting her craft and exploring new designs. She fondly recalls creating beaded brooches and earrings, selling them to save for more materials to fuel her creativity. Over the years, Esther has completed large, commissioned pieces for several First Nations Bands in her region, and her artistry has reached places as far as Germany, Hungary, and New York. Through her work, Esther feels deeply connected to her culture and close to the loved ones who taught her, finding immense joy in knowing that people cherish the pieces she creates.