Moving Through A Winter Day
'Moving Through A Winter Day' is a mixed media mural that was put together by five Indigenous Yukon artists in 2025. These incredible artists made four five by five foot pieces that encapsulate a peaceful Yukon winter, that now proudly hang in our Yúk'e room. It would not have been possible to get these folks together without funding from the Mastercard Foundation.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
VASHTI ETZEL
About the Artist: Vashti Etzel is an award winning visual artist, designer, and jewelry maker, also known for her wearable art creations. Hailing from Tūłidlini, Ross River Dena Council, she embodies the rich heritage of Kaska Dene, Shuhta Dene, Chipewyan, Cree and European. Traditionally known as “Nénesti’ík Mā”, which means “Mother of Sewing,” in Kaska language, Vashti began her artistic journey following the birth of her first son 11 years ago. Driven by a desire to honour her late grandparents legacy and reclaim her Indigenous identity, she creates luxury items that resonate with cultural significance and personal healing. Through her artistry, Vashti channels her creative energy into each piece, striving to positively share her story with the world. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their own identities and express themselves authentically. Medium: Hometan moose and Caribou hide, Commercial hide, Reindeer (Caribou) Hair tufting, Birch bark, Red willow, Porcupine quills, Crystals, Semi precious stones, Size 15 charlotte cut beads, size 11 seed beads, size 9 seed beads, bugle beads, glass cut beads, artificial sinew, fox fur.
Website / Social / Email:
FB: Vashti Etzel, Dene Artisan
IG: vashtideneartisan
Email: vashti@deneartisan.com
MEGAN (GUNÁ) JENSEN
About the Artist: Guná is of Dakhká Tlingit/Tagish Khwáan ancestry from the Dahk’laweidi Clan. She honors her ancestral Tlingit art form while merging formline into a bold contemporary vision. Trained by masters such as William Wasden and Mike Dangeli, and educated at Emily Carr University of Art and Design, she channels her culture into art that challenges and confronts, shaping her unique approach to visual storytelling. Her work, which has been recognized with awards like the William and Meredith Sanderson Prize for Emerging Canadian Artists, and long listed for the Yukon Prize and National Sobey award, has been exhibited in galleries across Canada. Guná has shared her knowledge through lectures and workshops at institutions such as Princeton, Emily Carr, and Stellenbosch, where she explores themes of cultural theft, decolonization, and healing. For Guná, art is activism—a call to respect, protect, and empower. She is committed to utilizing her art as a powerful voice for Tlingit sovereignty, thereby inviting audiences to honor Indigenous resilience. Medium: Acrylic on hometan caribou and moose hide
MONTANA PRYSNUK AND DELANEY PRYSNUK (COPPER CARIBOU)
About the Artist: Copper Caribou crafts each piece to instill a sense of power and confidence in those who wear their accessories, jewellery or use their handmade tools. Infused with good intentions and expert craftsmanship, their unique creations are not just fashion statements, but also celebrations of culture and contemporary style. Sisters from Yukon Territory, Montana and Delaney Prysnuk are members of Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation with ties to Inuvialuit, as well as Ukrainian/Scandinavian heritage. Vadzaih ch’ijì (caribou antler) and nàagàii (beads) on hometan vadzaih dhòh (caribou hide) are main components of their art. Adhòh tr’ahshii (hide tanning) and working with youth is a large part of Copper Caribou. Montana and Delaney aim to encourage positive mental health practices through hide tanning and traditional ways of knowing and doing. They honour their culture and Indigenous knowledge through beadwork, artwork, hidework and language. Màhsi’ choo, gwiinzii ts’aii ndoò ohdàh. (Thank you, go forward in a good way). Medium: Caribou antler, hometan caribou and moose hide, black deer hide, copper wire, glass beads, glass cut beads, semi precious stone beads, porcupine quills.
AMY TESSARO
About the Artist: About the Artist: Amy Tessaro is a Tahltan stained glass artist based in Whitehorse, Yukon. Raised in both Haida Gwaii and the Yukon, she draws inspiration from the vivid northern landscapes and her Indigenous heritage. Her work uniquely integrates Northwest Coast formline into stained glass, an innovative fusion that has established her as a distinctive voice in contemporary Indigenous art. Mentored by her father, Bruce Tessaro—a stained glass artist with over three decades of experience—Amy learned her craft through years of hands-on guidance, shaping her skill and deepening her appreciation for the medium. Amy’s work has garnered significant recognition, including the Yukon Government’s Advanced Artist Award and multiple Mentorship Awards at the Adäka Cultural Festival. Awarded best in her division at Juneau’s juried art competition in Alaska as well as first and second place in her division at the prestigious Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico, further establishing her presence on an international stage. Medium: Stained glass
PANELS
PANEL ONE:
SUNRISE MORNING
TOP LEFT:
Title: Morning Light, Amy Tessaro
Medium: Stained glass
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Made with Bullseye and Kokomo stained glass, copper foil, 60/40 solder and bordered with zinc.
Each morning is a new beginning.
TOP RIGHT:
Title: The Dawn, Megan (Guná) Jensen
Medium: Acrylic on hide
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: In this work, a sunrise emerges behind the great mountains of the north.
My formline design work is molded to embody the spirits of the mountains and the sunrise. Through a mix of deep blues, beige, yellows and pinks, the colours chosen embody the brilliance of the sunrises we experience on a very cold winter day. It is a specific kind of sunrise, the kind that forces you to be still and helps you breathe easier. It reminds us of the bond we have as stewards of this land, and our relationship to our ancestors.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Title: K'ísk'ale gūle det'ele désedāʼ -The Ptarmigan is Sitting Up in the Red Window, Vashti Etzel
Medium: Caribou tufting, beadwork, hometan caribou hide provided by Copper Caribou, White traditional moose hide, willows, gemstones, crystals, sinew, embroidery thread
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: My mother always wanted me to tuft a ptarmigan, so I did. I have many memories of driving skidoo and witnessing the ptarmigan fly away from the willows. The winter morning scene to me is a story of resilience, and survival. Through the harshest climates our ancestors adapted to their surroundings providing for their families. And today with the guidance of our elders we continue to thrive off the land. I pictured waking up from a cozy sleep in the wall tent as the sun rises. You go out to check your snares, traps and perhaps you come back home with a ptarmigan or two.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Title: Zhehgwadhòh -The Walltent, Montana Prysnuk and Delaney Prysnuk
Medium: Hometan caribou hide, caribou antler, glass beads, red willow, upcycled canvas tent, sinew, glass cut beads, porcupine quills, copper wire, silver beads, hometan caribou hide.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Inviting and cozy, this piece is reminiscent of living out on the land and spending time with friends and family.
PANEL TWO:
SOFTLY FALLING SNOW
TOP LEFT:
Title: Snowflakes, Amy Tessaro
Medium: Stained glass
Dimensions (H x W): 13" x 13"
Artwork Description / Statement: Made with Kokomo stained glass, copper foil, 60/40 solder and bordered with lead.
The magic that comes with snowflakes falling.
TOP RIGHT:
Title: Zas nédetlʼī́t -It is snowing, Vashti Etzel
Medium: Hometan moose hide (unsmoked), commercial deer leather, metallic silver leather, Crystals, seed beads, arctic fox fur, swarovski crystal, birch bark, brass dream catcher hoops, sinew, tule fabric.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Youth involvement: Aurora McGivor (Ross River Dena Council) made the two dream catchers. I harvested the birch and played with the shape to give the snowflake a 3D feel. I also wanted texture and filled in the metallic leather with cotton and added fluffy fur. When you look up you will see the snowflake “float” above you and shimmer from afar: like being in a winter dream land.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Title: Frost, Megan (Guná) Jensen
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: This is my most abstract painting out of the 4 painted hides. In this composition I have covered the entire hide in formline that is covered in a metallic shimmer. Overlaid on top of the formline is a cloudy affect I have created that slowly fades away at the center of the painting. I wanted to create a work that felt similar to what it’s like when you start your car in the middle of winter and you slowly watch your windshield slowly defrost. It is a way to admire little crystals while feeling a warmth and seeing the formline clearer.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Title: Zhoh chàt -The Snowflake, Montana Prysnuk and Delaney Prysnuk
Medium: Hometan white moosehide, glass and glass cut beads, stone beads.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Those quiet winter days, when the fluffy snow is falling all around you, bringing calmness and clarity.
PANEL THREE:
DANCING SKY AND FIRELIGHT
TOP LEFT:
Title: Our Ancestors Dance, Megan (Guná) Jensen
Medium: Acrylic on hide
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: In this painting, I wanted to showcase the magic of the aurora that emerges in the night. The formline design has a lot of faces in the composition. This is to represent all the spirits and ancestors that live within the aurora. In my worldview and the way I grew up with my community, I was taught that our ancestors are always surrounding us, and sometimes imagine that the natural beautiful wonders of mother earth help remind us of that. This is how our ancestors dance.
TOP RIGHT:
Title: Ahdā són Gídḗnī Sónéʼ tsʼį̄́ dḗtʼē. -The Stars of the Big Dipper Align with the North Star, Vashti Etzel
Medium: Hometan Caribou hide (copper caribou), crystals, bugle beads, size 12 seed beads, porcupine quills, 24kt gold plated fire polished crystals.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Youth involvement: Trista and Myka Glada (Ross River Dena Council) The girls came up with the concept of the Mother bear protecting its cub. They drew the design and sewed on the bugle beads and crystals. I beaded both the bear outlines, stars and did the flat quillwork. Imagine sitting around the fire, looking up at the stars. The north star is called Gídḗnī́ Sónéʼ 'women's star' in Kaska because they used it to navigate when moving camp in the dark in the winter. The two stars at the end of the cup part of the dipper point to the north star.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Title: Ts’iivii kò’ -Firelight Spruce Trees, Montana Prysnuk and Delaney Prysnuk
Medium: Hometan white moosehide, black deer hide, hometan caribou hide, black felt, glass beads, embroidery thread, glass seed beads, sinew.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: The warm campfire flickers on the branches of the spruce trees, creating shapes and patterns that dance with the northern lights in the sky.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Title: Home Fire, Amy Tessaro
Medium: Stained Glass
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Made with Bullseye and Kokomo stained glass, copper foil, 60/40 solder and bordered with zinc.
The love and warmth from the home fire
PANEL FOUR:
MOONLIGHT MOUNTAINS
TOP LEFT:
Title: A Starry Tlingit Night, Megan (Guná) Jensen
Medium: Acrylic on hide
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: When thinking about the magical energies of midnight, I can’t help but think of the stars. In this work I have designed three stars in formline. All three are paused at a different moment of having their eyes open or closed. They are intended to represent the mysticism of the quite peaceful nights of the north, and the comfort we may find by just looking up.
TOP RIGHT:
Title: Night Glow, Amy Tessaro
Medium: Stained Glass
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Made with Bullseye and Kokomo stained glass, copper foil, 60/40 solder and bordered with zinc.
A crisp winter night with the guidance of the moon light.
Through my work, I hope to inspire viewers to pause, to see the strength and beauty within each piece, and to recognize the living culture that breathes through every fragment of glass. My art is a celebration of the land, and of the stories that connect us across generations.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Title: Ddhah ch’aadrìh nùu -Moonlight Mountain, Montana Prysnuk and Delaney Prysnuk
Medium: Hometan white moose hide, glass and glass cut beads, black magnet beads, sinew, black deer hide.
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Moonlight blankets the vast mountains with a bright light that twinkles and shows us the way.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Title: Asdzę̄gī sā kī́ʼānī hís yū́gūdētʼin -In the moonlight you can see the mountains, Vashti Etzel
Medium: Seed beads, bugle beads, crystals, mother of pearl, caribou hair tufting, flat beadwork, raised beadwork, hometan white moose hide, cow leather, metallic leather, deer leather, hometan deer hide, birch bark, gemstones, sinew, thread, cotton
Dimensions (H x W): 22" x 22"
Artwork Description / Statement: Youth involvement: Saanuwa Alfred (Selkirk First Nation) beaded intricate icy snowflake florals with birch bark. Saanuwa also helped sew mountains onto the panel. The moonlight bathes the mountains in a soft glow while the icy rivers sparkle.
All the nights I spent looking out the window admiring the soulette of the mountains on a cold winter night. I added my own touch with a shimmery floral mountain with shape and texture. I beaded round shapes into the mountain scape, reminiscent of the ice circles you see on frozen rivers.
