Meet Suzanne

Sezí Suzanne Boucher súlye

My name is Suzanne Boucher, and I am one half of K’estuwe Pieces.

I am dënesųłı̨né tthetsënɂotı̨́né dene. My family originates from Rocher River, Northwest Territories, and I am registered to the Deninu K’ue First Nation under the Akaitcho Territory Government, signatories to Treaty 8 on the south shores of Great Slave Lake. I grew up in Fort Resolution, the oldest community in the Northwest Territories, and spent much of my childhood between there and what used to be Rocher River with my parents and close family.

I was custom adopted by my maternal grandparents — my mom, Mary Rose Boucher, and my dad, Henry King. Together they raised thirteen children, all of whom attended residential school except myself and their youngest son, my brother K.B. We were fortunate to be raised on the land, living between Rocher River, Taltson River, Rat River, and Jean River. From my parents, I learned to sew, harvest, hunt, trap, tan hides, navigate the waters and ice, and understand the importance of hard work. Those traditional teachings and values continue to guide me in everything I do.

When I was six, we moved back into town so I could attend school. My mom became a language teacher, and my dad worked in carpentry and at the sawmill. In the summers, my parents helped start a summer camp through the hamlet, taking kids out weekly to learn traditional skills. I spent my whole summer out on the land with them — it was a magical time. In the winters, we would travel to Jean River or Rocher River for part of December and January to trap, returning for school while my dad continued to trap and my parents repaired and sold pelts.

At 19, I became a young mother to a beautiful baby girl, Skye — the other half of K’estuwe Pieces. She became my world and my drive in life. While raising her, I returned to school, working through summers to earn a Diploma, Certificate, and Bachelor’s Degree. Watching Skye grow into the strong, educated, and grounded woman she is today makes me incredibly proud. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work from Mount Royal University, earning a place on both the Dean’s and President’s Lists, and now works as a Foster Care Coordinator in Hay River. She honours her culture and heritage through her work and her art, and when she beads, I see the spirit of my late mother, Mary Rose, shining through her hands.

I’ve always loved creating. I made my first pair of beaded moosehide slippers at four years old and have continued sewing, beading earrings and necklaces, making gun cases, shell bags, embroidery work, ribbon shirts and skirts, and more. I also enjoyed woodworking and have dabbled in refurbishing and making furniture.

The hobbies I’ve loved all my life have grown into K’estuwe Pieces, a way to share our culture, creativity, and heritage with the world. Having the opportunity to create alongside my daughter — sharing the traditional skills and knowledge passed down to me — brings me deep joy. I’m proud that together, we are continuing our culture and keeping our traditions alive.

Marsicho for being part of our journey.

Suzanne.