Kwai Kwai,

 Dominique O'Bonsawin is the artist and one-woman operation behind cedarlilie. She is Abenaki and French-Canadian, and LOVES beads. What started off as a relaxing hobby has now turned into an ever-evolving and growing online bead and supply store—and a platform to sell her art.

She's always been crafty, but when she came across beads, she knew she had found her creative medium. However, she finds them to be particularly invasive. She finds beads everywhere... in her shoes, in her wallet, and in her hair. That said, she loves beads.

Her academic "career" as well as her beadwork have always been intimately connected. In fact, if it wasn't for school, she would have never learned to do beadwork. She learned from other Indigenous students when she was doing her undergraduate studies. Having not had access to her Indigenous community, language, or culture growing up, beadwork—alongside her academic work—has become a significant contributor to her journey to reconnect with her community and culture. She is constantly learning, growing, and connecting in ways that she would have never imagined possible.

Since starting her online business in July 2020, it has been inspiring to connect with others who are beginning their crafting journey or who have been on that path for many years. She loves the conversation, the stories, the sharing of knowledge, and the new friendships. Beadwork is medicine, and she is humbled by the opportunity to provide people with everything they need to start or continue to do beadwork.

Wliwni, Merci, Thank you — for allowing me to share my art and my passion with you, and for supporting my small Indigenous business,

Dominique