I was born Elaine Spade, to Josie Spade from the Sturgeon clan, and Peter Kwandibens from the Loon clan. My grandparents are John and Mary Spade from Eabametoong First Nation, in Fort Hope Ontario, and Michael and Agnes Kwandibens, from Whitesand First Nation, in Armstrong Ontario.
I am an Anishnabekqwe, for those of you who do not understand I am an OJIBWA woman.

I learned the art of beading, by watching my mother Josie who has been beading and making clothing since I was a child. It was not until June 2001, when my mother came to visit me in Victoria BC, that I first attempted bead work. When I asked my mother to teach me, she said, "You already know how to do it-just do it-you can do it!"

I have since undertaken selective commissions and I specialize in custom design bead work.


I am honored to assist in educating the First Nations youth of Cowichan Tribes, and proud to be actively preserving cultural traditions, and beliefs.