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Katherine Sarazin

Born in Geraldton, Ontario, Katherine Sarazin was artistic at a very young age. Growing up, she learned to sew just about everything. Today, her unique, handmade crafts celebrate her Algonquin heritage.

When she was young, Katherine also wanted to be a good mom — just like her own mom. For nineteen years, she cared for her two daughters and two sons.

Together, they picked up dead animals on roads for their hides, salvaging the meat and bones and tanning the skins. Her fur hats and other crafts helped her pay the bills and buy food for her family.

Today, Katherine uses old fur coats to create her hats. She's had to change her design because pain from carpal tunnel syndrome has made it difficult for her to sew for long periods of time.

Katherine tries to attend as many craft shows and traditional gatherings as she can. She caters cultural gatherings in her area and shares her jams and pickles at these events.

Her children always dress in traditional clothes at these gatherings, and now her oldest child has taken over the family's tradition of regalia making (making traditional outfits). Katherine's not only taught her children about crafts and regalia, but also about traditional medicines and culture