Berna Beaulieu
Wedahti Fashions
My name is Berna Beaulieu, and I am originally from the Northwest Territories, where I was born, raised, and educated. Sewing and designing have been part of my life since childhood, and I began working professionally as a seamstress in the 1980s. In 1997, after leaving my work with the Territorial Government, I started my home‑based business when I saw traditional beadwork and embroidery fading from my community. With encouragement from family, friends, and Elders, I committed myself to preserving traditional aboriginal designs by reviving and modernizing them into one‑of‑a‑kind pieces—forming the foundation of Wedahti Fashions.
My work gained recognition after showcasing at the 1998 Arctic Winter Games, leading to an invitation to represent the Northwest Territories at a Trade/Fashion Show in Munich, Germany in 2002. I was honoured to receive the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for my contributions through fashion shows and cultural showcases. That same year, I returned to school at the Yvonne Yuen School of Design in Saskatoon, earning diplomas in Fashion Design, Marketing and Business Administration, and Accounting. My designs have since appeared on runways in Germany and at Toronto L’Oréal Fashion Week.
Today, I blend traditional Aboriginal materials—caribou hide and factory‑tanned white hide—with modern techniques to create contemporary Indigenous fashion rooted in culture. Through Wedahti Fashions, I continue to honour tradition, celebrate identity, and create meaningful garments for ceremonies, celebrations, and special events.
Preserving Tradition Through Fashion
Wedahti Fashions is dedicated to preserving and celebrating traditional Indigenous design through contemporary fashion. Our vision is to keep cultural artistry alive by transforming beadwork, embroidery, and hide‑work into modern, wearable pieces that honour identity, ceremony, and community.
We strive to create one‑of‑a‑kind garments that blend traditional materials with innovative techniques, ensuring each piece carries the beauty, strength, and stories of our culture.
Wedahti Fashions is committed to:
Preserving traditional designs for future generations
Preserving traditional designs for future generations
Creating high‑quality, custom garments rooted in culture and craftsmanship
Sharing Northern artistry nationally and internationally
At its heart, Wedahti Fashions is a bridge between tradition and modern fashion—keeping cultural designs alive while creating new opportunities for Indigenous representation, pride, and creativity.
Awards & Recognition
Recipient of the Governor General’s Queen’s Jubilee Medal for her contributions to Canadian culture through fashion 2002
Minister's Culture & Heritage Circle,
Pride of the North, 2015 Award
Top Aboriginal Business of the Year
North West Territories 2017
Spotlight on Wedahti Fashions
Fashion Shows
Wedahti Fashions is available for fashion shows, presenting handcrafted Indigenous garments that blend cultural artistry with modern design. Our collections bring striking ceremonial, bridal, formal, and specialty pieces to the runway.