Negemow Roots

This mini bassinet basket, perfectly sized for a small doll, sold last week at the AFN Conference in Debert.

I was inspired by Steven Jerome's life sized bassinet and my aunty Eleanor's mini bassinet.

Artist and photographer: Jade Sark

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

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?